Sandra Elizabeth Whitfield, born on October 6, 1948, in Durham, North Carolina, peacefully passed away on September 8, 2024, in Wilmington, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 75. Preceded in death by her mother, Mary Elizabeth Whitfield, and her late husband, Joel Hoechstetter of Houston, Texas, Sandra is survived by her three children: Robert Sidney Cauthen III and his fiancé Maria Khatri, Macon Whitfield Cauthen and his wife Helen, and Elizabeth Cauthen-Baird. She is also survived by her four adoring grandchildren: Jack and Reese Cauthen, and Rylan and Collins Baird.

Sandra graduated from Durham High School, where she excelled academically. In 1970, she pursued her passion for teaching at Winthrop University, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Special Education with a minor in English. That same year, she met and married Robert Sidney Cauthen Jr. of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and together they welcomed their children, Rob, Macon, and Buffy. Following her studies, Sandra became a much-loved special education teacher while residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Sandra’s petite stature and beauty were matched only by her inner strength, a trait she inherited from her single mother, Mary Elizabeth. Her impeccable sense of style, beauty, and eye for fashion led her to a few jobs as a commercial print model for Thalheimer’s department store, and she then became the runner-up in the Myrtle Beach Miss Sun Fun Pageant, sparking her lifelong love for fashion.

As a devoted stay-at-home mom, she passionately raised her three children. Her artistic talent and eye for design made her home a reflection of her southern charm, always looking as if it belonged in the pages of a Southern Living magazine. After relocating several times, Sandra embraced new beginnings, forming wonderful friendships, and showering her children and family with love and support.

An animal lover at heart, her dogs were always a huge part of her life. She instilled in her children and grandchildren the value of compassion for our furry creatures.

In a second chance at love, Sandra met and fell in love with Joel Hoechstetter. They both shared a love for antiquing, art, new restaurants, traveling, and, of course, each other. It was in him that she found love once again, marrying Joel in 2009. She continued her love for fashion, working for Neiman Marcus and Tootsie’s. Returning to her beloved Carolinas, Sandra rediscovered her love for Carolina Beach Music and her beloved dance, the shag. Settling in her generational beach home she held so dear in Oak Island, North Carolina, she found her peace and solace living by the ocean. She cherished deeply her moments spent on her porch swing with a good Stephen King book and her little dog Winnie in her lap, and her other fur baby Lilly Rose curled up at her feet. These simple pleasures in life she loved so much. Sandra also cherished her special moments with her grandchildren, teaching them about identifying different seashells that wash up on the shore and pointing out images in the clouds that only the creative mind like hers could see. Their short time they had with their Mimi will live in their hearts and minds forever. Sandra will be remembered for her unwavering strength, her love for her family, and her timeless elegance. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her children, extended family, grandchildren, and for those fortunate enough to know her, and her spirit will forever be a guiding light for those she loved.