Sandra (Sandy) Kay Shaw Gwin
October 12, 1952- December 22, 2023

Sandra (Sandy) Kay Shaw Gwin, age 71, of Waco, TX, passed from this life to her heavenly home on December 22, 2023.

Sandy was born in Waco, Texas, on October 12, 1952, to James and Pansy Shaw. She grew up and went to Waco schools, graduating from Waco High in 1971. She was a member of the last class from the old building downtown and a member of the Golden Voices C hoir. Music was always a big part of Sandy’s life. She learned to play piano at a young age and music was a joy she passed on to others. After graduating high school, she went to Lubbock Christian College and was a member of Lamda Omega Alpha. Due to previous teachers, all Sandy wanted to do was teach and her love was in special education. Upon graduating, she moved around several times being a music therapist in different areas. She then received a job at Abilene State School as a music therapist. She loved every minute working with both the choir and handbell choir there.

Then one day, because of his 3-legged dog, she met the love of her life, Bob Gwin. She settled into life in Abilene and had a little girl, Kailyn. When her dad got sick, the family moved back to Waco to help.
When Kailyn started school, Sandy started work at Waco Christian School. There, she did a bit of everything: taught music, substitute teaching, worked in the cafeteria, and so much more. One of her proudest accomplishments was serving as OPT president at Waco Christian. This would influence her to continue being actively involved with PTA, eventually becoming president of Waco City Council PTA over all public Waco area schools during 2004-2005.

After leaving Waco Christian, Sandy went to work as a secretary for Lake Shore Drive Church of Christ, where she served for 17 years. She enjoyed working with Ernie Christie and Dale Sheehy along with her “300” bosses. She saw working for the church to be a huge privilege and another way to serve God.

Sandy was a firm believer in God. She was a member of Herring Ave Church of Christ, where she was baptized. Her family later helped start Lake Shore Drive Church of Christ, where she was a member until her death. She always trusted in God and placed her life in His hands. She viewed teaching Sunday School as one of her greatest joys and enjoyed teaching the next generation of Christians. She taught everything from cradle roll to junior high, but her favorite age was 2nd and 3rd graders. She loved watching new Christians grow in the faith.

Upon her retirement, she settled into the best “job” that ever was: that of Grams to William and Alexander Maldonado. She put everything into being with her family. She loved her grandsons more than words can say and spent all her energy on them. They made her laugh so deeply, and she loved every minute with them.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Larry Gene Sorrells and Anthony (Tony) Shaw.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Robert (Bob) Gwin; daughter, Kailyn Maldonado and husband, Carlos; two grandsons, William and Alexander; brother, James Shaw, Jr. and his wife, Sherry; sister-in-law, Kathy Shaw; father-in-law, Don Gwin; nieces, Lynda Kay Wilson and DeeAnn Kimbrough; nephew, Brian Shaw; and several cousins. She also leaves behind countless “children” she helped teach through her 40 plus years in education.

Special thanks to Bluebonnet Hospice, in particular MyKayla, Laurie, and Gabby, for providing care for Sandy in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lake Shore Drive Church of Christ.
Following a short bereavement period, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

https://www.oakcrestwaco.com/memorials/sandy-gwin/5349449/index.php