Sandra B. (Brewer) McLaurin

Sandra Brewer McLaurin, 73, passed away at Chatham Hospital, Friday morning, September 26, 2025, in Siler City, NC. 

A native of Chatham County, NC, Sandra was born September 1, 1952, to the late Josephine Gaines and Marvin Hugh Brewer.  She was also preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, R. Edward McLaurin, Jr., and their son-in-law, Michael Cunningham. 

Never shying away from hard work, Sandra began working at the ripe old age of nine in her father’s service station, and later managed the family restaurant.  After marrying her husband Edward, and with all the children having started school, Sandra began working as a teacher assistant at Pittsboro Elementary to “keep an eye on the kids.”  Sandra finally retired after many years of faithful service from Chatham County Schools after working in the classroom, and for the most part kindergarten, for 20+ years.  Not many educators receive wedding invitations and birth announcements from former students after serving as their elementary school educator, but Sandra has and did, which is a true testament to the lasting impact she made on countless youth in Chatham County.  Hundreds of youth on her watch never went unfed, unloved, or un-hugged.

Growing up, Sandra played both basketball and softball, and she shared that love of sports with her children.  She loved traveling to watch them play, and that love of sports carried well into her adult life, cheering on her beloved Tar Heels (and rooting against the folks from Durham).  The start of the college basketball season was always an unofficial holiday in the McLaurin household.  She found great joy fishing in her favorite corner of the pasture pond, cooking special meals for her family, sharing her crochet goods with family and friends (and many she never knew, but they benefited from her lovingly-made warm blankets, scarves, and hats), and getting into mischief with her best gal pal, June.

Devoted to her family, Sandra found no greater joy than being with her loved ones.  She loved fully, selflessly, and without abandon.  She was deeply cherished by her family and always will be.

Sandra is survived by her two sons, Shane Brafford (Jordan) and Ralph Edward McLaurin, III; her daughter, Ginger Irene McLaurin Cunningham; grandson, Bryce Brafford; brother, Raymond Brewer (Amy); and sister, Angie Ahmed (Mohammed).

The services for Mrs. McLaurin at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church are private with Rev. Ray Gooch and Rev. Bill Negron presiding.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions to be made in Sandra’s memory to any of the following organizations:

 - American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692

 - American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 

 - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. House, Summer, Lauren, Arthur, and the collective team at Chatham Hospital for their graciousness, compassion, and love shown towards Mrs. McLaurin during the last days of her earthly journey. God bless you all.

Donaldson Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the McLaurin family.