Sandra Grace Ruff Smith
Sandra Grace Ruff Smith was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on November 10, 1948, to the union of the late Sullivan R. Ruff, Jr and Gardina Cantey Ruff. She was the oldest of four children. She transitioned to eternal rest on December 8, 2024.
Sandra Grace started her education in Marietta School District, where she graduated from Lemon Street High School in May of 1966. While in school, she participated in the marching band and was an avid pianist. After graduating from high school with honors, Sandra Grace went on to graduate from Knoxville College in 1971. While at Knoxville College Sandra Grace met her husband of 53 years, Charles William Smith. Sandra Grace received a Master of Education from Trevecca Nazarene College in 1987.
Sandra Grace was an educator who gave 35 years of service to the Hamilton County School System. She taught math and science and served as a cheer coach and mentor to many students. Sandra Grace also volunteered at Rainbow Daycare Center, where she was the “Mad Scientist” for the children. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association.
Sandra Grace was also a life member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Where she served in the Gamma Theta Sigma Chapter. She held many offices during her 52-year membership, including President twice, Vice President twice, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Parliamentarian. She served as Chair for the Miss Rhomania Pageant numerous times, as Southeast Region Historian. She also served on committees for multiple Community Service Projects. Sandra Grace also Chartered the Knoxville College Undergraduate Chapter during her undergraduate years. She also chartered the Zeta Iota Chapter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1984 where she was also the Undergraduate Advisor for many years.
Sandra Grace leaves to mourn this loss and cherish her memory of her husband of 53 years, Charles; son, William (Charlotte), or Birmingham, AL; three grandchildren, Stoner Smith, Layla Smith, and Langston Smith; sister LaNese Ruff Ellison (Franklin) and Sullivan Reginald Ruff III (Patricia) both of Chattanooga, TN, and Haskell Ruff (Lynne) of Atlanta, GA, brothers in law, Walter “Mack” Smith of Indianapolis, IN; Larry Smith (Arline) of Houston, TX; nieces DaUelle Tankersley Burgess of Nashville, TN; Alexis Ruff of Atlanta GA, Sydnee Ruff of Cincinnati, OH; Angela Smith (Perry) of Indianapolis, IN; Teresa Donaldson (Anthony) of Indianapolis, IN; LaTesha Smith of Indianapolis, IN; Karesha (Anthony) of Indianapolis; nephews, Dernard Tankersley of Nashville, TN; Sean Ruff of Chattanooga, TN; Lamont Smith (LaKeesha) of Indianapolis, IN; Maurice Smith (Brandy) of Indianapolis, IN; Larry Smith of Houston, TX, Larron Smith of Houston, TX. She will also be missed by 19 great nieces and great nephews and a host of cousins, friends, and Sorority sisters.
Public viewing will be from 2-6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, at the funeral home. A celebration of Sandra’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, at New Covenant Fellowship Church located 1326 North Moore Road.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.