Sandy Gentile

January 12, 1952 - February 25, 2020

Sandra P. Gentile, 68, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at her home surrounded by her family. Born in Boone, NC, Sandy was a graduate of Belmont High School and Gardner-Webb University. Sandy and her husband Don lived in Eatontown and Hamilton Square for several years before building their home in Lumberton in 1989. She worked in Information Technology for several years as a Project Manager, among the first women in the field. But it was her family and her children that brought her the greatest joy in life. Sandy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who never missed a game, performance, or special occasion. She was a member and treasurer of the Lumberton PTA for many years and was active with Sacred Heart CYO softball and baseball, and the RV Band Booster Club. She was an avid sports fan, rooting for the UNC Tarheels, New York Yankees, and New York Giants. Every spring and summer, Sandy tended to her beloved vegetable garden and looked forward to enjoying tomato and cucumber sandwiches all season long. Sandy overcame a polio diagnosis as a child, never letting her disability hold her back. She courageously battled multiple myeloma for 18 years, and helped pioneer new treatments with her participation in groundbreaking clinical trials. Those who knew her were in awe of her strength and positivity throughout her life. Sandy is predeceased by her loving parents, C.A. and Frances Payne, and her sister Marsha Payne of Gastonia, NC. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Donald; daughter, Jessica Corcoran and her husband Tom; daughter Amy Gentile of Norristown, PA; son Nicholas Gentile of Lumberton, NJ; and grandson James Corcoran. She is also survived by her sister Karen Helms and husband C.B. of Gastonia, NC; niece Wendy Bekesi and husband Rich of Mooresboro, NC; and nephew Destry Helms and wife Denise of Gastonia, NC. Funeral Services and Cremation will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to the Annual Miles for Myeloma. Team Awesome is participating for the 12th year in a row in honor of Sandy: http://give.myeloma.org/goto/teamawesome. Watch her tribute video here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/2LPW7J53GZ5HPQBB