Sandra McCarter Long, 76, of Columbia, died Sunday, April 11, 2021. Born November 3, 1944, in Marion County, she was the daughter of the late James Wylie McCarter and Dorothy Elvington McCarter. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister.

Mrs. Long was raised in Columbia, SC. She began her career with SCE&G and then with the SC Department of Mental Health. For a brief period, Mrs. Long owned and operated a nursery at her residence. Following the birth of her children, she would return to work for Richland School District Two at Dent Middle School. Mrs. Long would eventually retire with more than 20 years of service. She deeply loved children and enjoyed every moment she spent with her Dent family.

Mrs. Long took great pleasure in traveling and planning her next vacation. Everywhere she went she always managed to make new friends. Her favorite places to visit were Walt Disney World and anywhere overlooking a beach. She was an avid crafter and could be found working along side her husband in the family workshop, creating woodwork pieces for family and friends. Mrs. Long also collected stamps, Tom Clark gnomes, seashells, and beach décor. Her family will honor her memory and remember her as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, as well as a "Jack of all Trades."

Survivors include her husband of 55 years, John S. Long; children, James Kirkpatrick Long of Pascagoula, MS and Tiffiney Potter (Wesley) of Columbia; grandchildren, Sam Long, Alison Long, Warren Potter, Riley Potter, and Johnston Potter.

The graveside service for Mrs. Long will be held 2 o'clock Thursday, April 15th at Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens, 2603 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC with Rev. R. Joseph Copeland officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock Wednesday, April 14th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC.