Tammy Melinda-Lee Sandy

It is with great sadness—mixed with a little bit of relief, knowing she is in a better place—that I share the passing of our mother, Tammy Melinda Lee Sandy, who left us on October 18th, 2025, at the age of 64. In true Tammy fashion, she went out on her own terms—on her birthday. She always did like to make an entrance and notably, her exits were additionally well delivered.

Born in the hollers of Pikeville, Kentucky, to Paulette Elkins Foy and Master Gunnery Sergeant Russell Barber, Mom learned early on how to be tough and resourceful—traits that served her well throughout her life. She attended high school in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, and in 1983, made her way to Cape Coral, Florida, where she became a Master Barber and eventually owned her own shop. For nearly 30 years, she made men look good and always maintained the ability to tell them what was on her mind.

Mom wasn’t exactly the “hug it out” type, but we all knew she loved us—in her own blunt, occasionally hilarious, “get on with it” kind of way. She did the best with what she knew, and somehow, that was always enough.

She’s preceded in death by her late husband Jeffrey Lynn Sandy; grandparents John and Linda Damron Elkins of Pikeville, KY; mother and step-father Paulette Elkins Foy and Joseph Thomas Foy of Cape Coral, FL; brother Patrick Michael Tetreault of Joliet, IL and granddaughter Harley Rae Teahl of Cape Coral, FL.

She is survived by her father MGySgt Russell Barber (Dorothy) of Cary, NC; sisters Vera Barber Pongoinis (Dan) of East Earl, PA, and Danielle Foy of Orlando, FL; her children David Goins (Danielle) of Harker Heights, TX, and Ma Cherie Teahl of Elkton, MD; and seven grandkids who will forever miss her tough love and her unfiltered honesty.

As we reflect on her life, we find comfort knowing she’s finally resting—mentally, physically, and probably with fresh coat of red hair coloring with perfected french manicured nails.

Rest easy, Mom. We love you and sure gonna miss you.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.