FAYETTEVILLE — Sandy Gayle Evans,

daughter of Johnnie and Lois Carson, died unexpectedly at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Ark., at about 10 p.m. on Sept. 15, 2021.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry; stepson, Jerry Dale; granddaughter, Iris; sisters, Norma and Karen; and her brother, Larry.

Sandy was born in Santa Cruz, Calif., and grew up in Capitola, Calif., before moving across the county to Georgia and then Ohio.

She finally settled down in south Fayetteville for the last 14 years, in a home that she shared with her husband of 12 years, Jerry, and as many dogs as she could get away with. Sandy worked most recently at Butterfield Trail Village in their Transportation Department, taking residents on trips of every kind, from quick trips to Walmart, to close lunches with friends, and plays at the Walton Art Center. Prior to that, she drove for the University of Arkansas Transit Department, and in all of these ways and places she made friends and forged relationships that changed everyone around her for the better, including her then husband-to-be Jerry.

One of her many passions was dog rescue with the Lone Star Dog Ranch based in Anna, Texas. She spent many hours providing transportation to rescue dogs in and around NW Arkansas. She was also extremely dedicated to her family and friends, and she always enjoyed spending time with everyone. Many people can tell tales of Sandy’s generosity, empathy, sense of humor, and her gift for making people feel like they belonged. Just hours before she passed, Sandy posted the following on her social media feed: “Speak to people in a way that if they died the next day, you’d be satisfied with the last thing you said to them.” Words we should all take to heart.

The date and time of a memorial will be published in the next few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Lone Star Dog Ranch at 10030 Co. Rd. 288, Anna, Texas 75409. https://dogranchrescue.com/ make-a-donation/ or to dogranchrescue.com and select donations.

To place an online tribute, please visit: www.bernafuneralhomes.com .