The School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences is remembering Sandra Brown Kelly, a career journalist who formerly served as adjunct faculty member and writing center employee. She passed away on Sept. 27 at age 84 after a brief illness.

“Sandra was a wonderful teacher, and it was lovely to work with her,” said LASS Dean Amy Anguiano. “She always had a smile on her face.”

Sandra Brown Kelly held a 40-year career at The Roanoke Times, where she “was remembered as an advocate for women in the newsroom and a mentor to young reporters,” according to a news obituary that ran in the paper on Oct. 1. She worked her way up into the newsroom, later serving as editor for what became the Extra section and as a business reporter and columnist.

Her obituary notes, “After retiring from the paper in 1999, Sandra devoted her time teaching English and journalism at Virginia Western Community College, Radford University and Roanoke College. In recent years she was an active volunteer with the Roanoke History Museum where she served in several leadership roles, including board president.”

The Roanoke Times published this news story about her (access may require a subscription):

https://roanoke.com/news/local/article_0de2e45a-f32c-436f-a9ca-79ba8a3b6089.html

The obituary from Oakey’s Funeral Service shares information about future plans for a Celebration of Life and memorial donations:
Obituary information for Sandra Brown Kelly