Leanne Sandifer Braswell

Leanne Sandifer Braswell, 67, passed away at her home in Wilkesboro, NC on May 25, 2024, after a long and arduous battle with a rare neurological condition.

Leanne was born on November 22, 1956. She was the only child of parents James Harold (“Pete”) Sandifer and Nell Scott Sandifer of Rocky Point, North Carolina. Pete and Nell treated Leanne as their cherished princess and showered on her their love and affections. Leanne was a curious and precocious child who loved to read, write poetry and take dance and piano lessons.

Leanne was an active participant in activities for young people at Riley’s Creek Baptist Church (Rocky Point, NC). Like many girls raised in a Southern Baptist church in the 1960’s and early 70’s, Leanne was an active member of the Girls' Auxiliary (GA’s). She ultimately completed each of the “forward steps” necessary to be crowned a GA “queen with a scepter.”

Following her graduation from high school in 1975, Leanne served as a page for the North Carolina Legislature after having been recommended by North Carolina Attorney General Rufus Edministen.

In 1977, Leanne graduated from Peace Collage with an associate of arts degree. In December of 1978, Leanne graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill receiving a bachelor of arts degree.

Leanne married Keith A. Braswell of Morganton, NC on June 2, 1979. The elegant and beautiful wedding, which Leanne’s parents spared no expense for, took place at Riley’s Creek Baptist Church.

Leanne worked as an administrative assistant for the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Education from 1984 to 1986. After leaving the School of Education, Leanne was employed at UVA’s Division of Continuing Education from 1986 to 2001 during which time she became a computer programmer. While at the Division of Continuing Education, Leanne provided administrative assistance for the Virginia Film Festival from 1987 through 1993.

As an adult, Leanne enjoyed hiking, reading, traveling, attending theatrical performances, journaling and visiting art museums. Leanne was an excellent photographer and several of her photographs won premiums at the Albemarle County (Virginia) Fair.

Leanne was passionate about volunteering when she thought she could benefit others. In the 1990’s, at Effort Church in Palmyra, Va. Leanne served as a deacon, chairperson of the deacons, substitute Sunday School teacher, and as a member of the Effort Church transition committee formed to deal with the departure of a long-time minister. For three years – 1997 through 1999 – Leanne served as co-secretary of the Fluvanna County (Va.) Democratic Party. After moving to Wilkesboro, NC in 2001, Leanne volunteered at SAFE (Sheltered Aid to Families in Emergencies) and the Wilkes Heritage Museum.

In the early 1990’s, Leanne was able to locate her birth mother, Ruby McIntosh of Las Vegas, Nevada. For a quarter of a century, until Ruby’s death, Leanne enjoyed a close and loving relationship with her birth mother and was at her side her when she passed in 2019.

At the time Leanne’s neurological condition was diagnosed, she was working as a scheduler for the Adult Neurology Clinic at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. It was a job that she truly enjoyed.

Leanne was preceded in death by her parents and her two uncles, Marion (“Red”) Sandifer of Wilmington, NC. and Cecil T. Sandifer of Westminster, SC. Also preceding Leanne in death was her beloved American Eskimo dog “Prince”, whom Leanne treated like a child and had boundless love and affection for.

The family of Leanne would like to thank Gentiva Hospice for its role in the care and comfort of Leanne.

Leanne is survived by her husband of 45 years and numerous cousins.

A celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Braswell’s lives will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, June 28, 2024 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Wilkesboro.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.