Sandra Velma Holder was born on February 28, 1948, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to Theresa Penn and Joseph Haywood Holder. She was preceded in death by her brother, Marvin Holder, and her sister, Melba Alfreda Holder.

Sandra was educated in the Winston-Salem public schools and graduated from Anderson High School. Following her graduation, she began her career at Wachovia Bank and Trust, now Wells Fargo, where she worked for several years. In 1982, she relocated to Washington, D.C., where she continued her banking career with Mellon Bank in the nation's capital.

Sandra was an avid reader and a passionate collector of books. She especially enjoyed works by African-American authors and often participated in book readings and book clubs. Her love of culture and history extended beyond literature; she curated an extensive collection of African and Native American artifacts and jewelry, reflecting her deep appreciation for heritage, artistry, and storytelling.

Sandra received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior as a child while attending Cleveland Baptist Church, where the late Rev. J. O.. Williams served as pastor. She remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. In recent years, she attended and participated in ministries at St. Paul United Methodist Church, including the Funeral Choir and the Lonnies Nesmith Sick and Shut-In and Hospitality Ministries.

Sandra is survived by her daughter, Natalie Holder Young of Winston-Salem; her beloved grandson, Burrell Howard Young, III ("Tre'"), who was the joy of her life. It was Tre' who affectionately gave her the name "Yia-Yia," the Greek word for grandmother. Over the years, many friends and relatives lovingly continued to call her "Yaya," the name Tre' first gave her as a young child.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a host of family and friends who were instrumental in her life, including, Linda Thompson, Claudia Graham, and Nancy Armstrong of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Arthur Childs, Jr. of Washington, D.C.; Amber and Asheli Baker and Rodney King of Detroit, Michigan; Damon Holder of Norfolk, Virginia; and Kenneth Holder and Wesley Holder of Richmond, Virginia.

Throughout her life, Sandra devoted her time and talents to numerous volunteer organizations where she was known for her kindness, dedication, and genuine care for the people she served. In her later years, she worked with Rhino Incorporated, where one of her assignments was serving at Wake Forest University soccer fields. In this role, she formed many relationships and meaningful connections with staff, students, and athletes. The men's and women's soccer teams honored her with a plaque and shared fond memories of her presence on the field. She will be deeply missed by the Wake Forest soccer community.

There will be no public viewing. A memorial service will take place 2:00 PM, Saturday, May 9, 2026 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2400 Dellabrook Road, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27105