December 25, 2025, 74, Goldsboro – Sandra Kay Freeland, age 74, of Goldsboro, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord early on the morning of December 25, 2025, following a short and courageous battle with stage 4 lung cancer. She was born on October 13, 1951.
Sandra was united in marriage to Thomas A. Freeland, Jr. on October 25, 1969, and together they shared 56 loving years of marriage. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and she lived her life with faith, strength, and a heart full of love.
Gifted with creativity and a caring spirit, Sandra could make almost anything with a sewing machine — from curtains to clothing and countless handmade treasures. She first learned and developed her sewing skills while working at the garment factory in Pennsboro, West Virginia, a foundation she carried throughout her life. Sandra was also co-owner of her own cleaning business (T&S Cleaning Service), where she worked diligently and faithfully for many years, taking pride in serving others and providing for her family.
She was an amazing cook who poured love into every meal and dessert she prepared for family and friends. Known for her generosity and giving heart, she was always willing to help others, even when she had little to give herself. Sandra took great pride in her home and found joy working in her yard and flower beds, where her green thumb brought beauty and peace to her surroundings.
Above all, Sandra was an extremely proud grandmother. Everything she had — her time, energy, love, and encouragement — was poured into her grandchildren, who were the joy of her life.
Through every season of life, including hardship and illness, Sandra held firmly to her faith and the promises of God. She believed in His goodness, His strength, and His everlasting hope. As Scripture says in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Her family takes comfort in knowing she has now received her eternal reward.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas A. Freeland; son, Thomas A. Freeland III, and his wife, Lena Freeland “Slater”, to whom he has been married for 31 years; and two grandchildren, Thomas A. Freeland IV and Nicholas Freeland. She is also survived by her siblings James “Jim” Donley, Jean Donley “Moutray”, and Shirley Donley “McDonald”.
Sandra was preceded in death by her siblings Denver “Leo” Donley, Bob Donley, Roger Donley, Don “Donnie” Donley, Betty Donley “Knight”, and Nancy Donley “Ladd”.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on January 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home, 1300 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534. A cremation will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, you may honor Sandra’s caring spirit with a gift to Shriners Children’s, helping provide compassionate medical treatment for children across the United States. Donations may be made at: https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/giving
