Sandra "Sissy" "NanNan" Pilkenton

Sandra Lynn (Sissy, NanNan) Pilkenton was welcomed by her adoring parents Bobbie and Carlton Wilcox on November 18, 1948, in Conroe, Texas and passed peacefully, with her devoted husband of 51 years and her two beloved children by her side on January 7, 2016. Growing up mostly in Cut-N-Shoot, TX, as a little girl Sissy spent a great deal of time with her older sister, younger brother and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, climbing trees, roughhousing and getting dirty. She and her extended family were extremely tight-knit, growing up and older alongside one another with a simple “country” childhood filled with family, love, laughter, country music and pinto beans and cornbread. She was a petite young lady with blonde permed curls and bright blue eyes that could scare the neighborhood kids yet were the windows to the most beautiful soul. She loved to play football in the open field with the neighborhood boys and could and would tackle the biggest and toughest boys. To hear her tell it, growing up was perfect and she had all that she needed and more. She met her husband Jerry when they were kids and lived on the same street in Houston but she was just “one of the guys” and he was a little intimidated by her. They became husband and wife on January 15th, 1965 in a small ceremony in the home of her Mammaw and Pappy. One year and one month later Sissy became a mother when she and Jerry welcomed their son David Wayne on February 17th, 1966. From the moment he was born, she was the most devoted mother, raising her precious son surrounded by the same close family that blessed her own childhood. On December 9th, 1968, she and Jerry welcomed their second child, a daughter, Stacy Lee and their little family was complete. Although she held many jobs outside the home over the years, she was the exemplification of a wife and mother. Her focus was on her extended family and not just her husband and children. She was fiercely protective, nurturing and selfless while still being the feisty girl she had always been. Although her husband’s job had them living in Houston, Texas City, and briefly in Bay City, they were able to rejoin her family back here in Montgomery, living alongside her sister Betty and her brother Jimmy and their families on the land they all owned together with their parents, Bobbie and Carlton. She was so happy here in this town full of childhood memories, having her favorite aunts just steps away for coffee and kitchen table chats. She loved to fish and often took her kids to the Texas City Dike fishing or the bay for crabbing on any given weekday. Later, back in Montgomery, she’d fish for crappie and bass from the shores of Lake Conroe, just steps from her front door. Although she didn’t officially play team sports as a child, she was gifted with a natural talent. She grew up effortlessly competing with the boys and bettering every girl. She earned bowling trophies from her league and played with Jerry, her grown children and their families on a local co-ed softball team. She loved collecting old things that reminded her of her own childhood and enjoyed “treasure hunting” at garage and estate sales. She looked forward to weekly lunches or dinners with the entire extended family and BBQs where she was a champion at horseshoes and deviled eggs. A natural and amazing cook, dishes known only as, “the way Sis makes it,” were oft-requested from all who had ever eaten a treat she contributed to the many family gatherings. She kept an impeccable home, where in memories she can still be seen in her kitchen chair, feet propped on the dividing pillar of faux brick, or relaxing with family on her front porch surrounded by a jungle of well-kept plants, the family dog at her feet. She always loved to play cards, and later enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and the casinos of Louisiana to play the slots and video poker. When she became a grandmother in January of 1989, she truly came to life. She never stopped having time, love or nurturing for her own grown kids and the family members that she had always been devoted to, but her 8 grandchildren and later 6 great-grandchildren were her greatest love. Her life seemed to completely revolve around those children and that was exactly how she wanted it. She never missed a play or program. She never missed a game or even a practice when there seemed to be one just about every day. She and Jerry were a fixture at every single event, side by side in their lawn chairs as she hollered at the ref or umpire, even attending an all-star t-ball game while seriously ill with Strep. She made sure that those babies - well, anyone really - never wanted for anything, and taught all who knew her the true meaning of unconditional love. She smothered her babies, direct and extended family just the same, with hugs and kisses, always with time for them, with a safe spot on her lap, a treat, and a story. Her love for her family was magical, and she will be missed greatly by all. “We love you too much, Nan”. Rest peacefully. Sandra is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 51 years, Jerry W. Pilkenton, adoring parents Bobbie and Carlton Wilcox, son David and wife Schai Pilkenton, daughter Stacy and husband David Kroll, all of Montgomery, TX; sister Betty Gresak of Montgomery; brother Jimmy and wife Becky Wilcox of Montgomery; grandchildren Callan Riddles of Montgomery, Rylan Riddles and partner Megan Griffin of Montgomery, Keytan Riddles Strong and husband Andrew of Conroe, TX, Kyler Pilkenton of Montgomery, Ambryn Kroll of Montgomery, Kelen Pilkenton of Montgomery, Camden Kroll of Montgomery, Addison Kroll of Montgomery; great-grandchildren Landyn Riddles, Aubrey Riddles-Cain, Slayder Strong , Wesley Riddles, Valor Strong and Emily Sides. Not named but never forgotten are the many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins (who were more like siblings), extended family members, and many friends close in memory, all of whom loved her dearly. They each meant so much to her, and she loved them all as if they were her own. Services are as follows: Visitation-Wednesday, January 13, 2016 10:00 AM at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home at 20850 Eva St, Montgomery, TX 77356.Celebration of Life Immediately following visitation at the same location at 11:00 AM. Interment following services at Copeland Chapel Cemetery 105 and McCaleb Road. Montgomery Gathering of Family and Friends for food and fellowship: Rabon Chapel Church of Christ 17975 Rabon Chapel Rd, Montgomery, TX 77316

Sandra "Sissy" "NanNan" Pilkenton

November 18, 1948 - January 7, 2016