Deborah Lee Sands

Deborah Lee (Nuckoles) Sands, 75, of Powhatan Virginia, passed away suddenly April 28th, 2026, at Chippenham hospital in Richmond, Virginia.

Mrs. Sands was born November 15, 1950, in Staunton Virginia, to the late Lillian G. Bryan and Thomas A. Nuckoles, and was a 1969 graduate of Midlothian High School in Midlothian, Virginia. She was employed several places throughout her lifetime, including administrative assistant in numerous medical offices. She ended her career in media as a transcriptionist for a publishing company.

In addition to her biological mother, Lillian G. Bryan, Mrs. Sands was proceeded in death by a stepfather Richard J. Bryan, biological father Thomas A. Nuckoles, stepmother Shirley H. Nuckoles, and beloved grandmother (Gaga) Lydia C. Higgins.

Mrs. Sands is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Robert G. Sands, sister Wendy O. Williams and husband Roger N. Williams, nieces Laurin E. Jessup and Autumn R. Haynes, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces and nephews, as well as special close friends she considered family, Deborah L. Russell, Betty Hodge, and Michael R. Myers.

Active pallbearers include husband Robert G. Sands, brother-in-law Roger N. Williams II, close family friends Micheal R. Myers, Ronnie Williams, Kenny Williams, and Paul Russell.

Deborah was a lover of nature and all animals, especially dolphins, cats, and horses. Deborah had many beloved pets throughout her lifetime, including two dogs, and numerous cats. She had a great wanderlust to travel, even though she never made it to every destination she wanted to see or was able to swim with the dolphins she loved so much. Deb was a true hippie at heart and loved rock and roll music from the 60's and 70's especially, her all-time favorite group, The Beatles. She also crafted many different things throughout her life, including pottery, cross stitch, crocheting, bow making, and decorative basket making. Deborah was a fanatical lover of all things Christmas especially decorations. She was an avid swimmer and often called herself a "water baby" because once she was in the water, it was difficult to get her out. She was a beach lover and relished her trips to the Outer Banks with her husband and friends. Deb was one who never knew a stranger and made friends wherever she went. She cherished her family and her closest friends, especially her husband of many years, Robert G. Sands to whom she was a loving a devoted wife.

Debby will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

The family will receive friends Monday May 4th, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm prior to the services at 2:00 pm in the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home, Powhatan, Virginia. Graveside Powhatan Community Cemetery.