Shirley Lee King Sanchez

Our precious Mom, Shirley Lee King Sanchez, 79, journeyed on to be with our Lord in heaven, on September 20, 2025. Our mother was born on February 9, 1946, in Augusta, Arkansas, surrounded by cotton fields. Raised by her mother, Minnie Lee, and stepfather, Robert E. Lee Goodwin, Jr, whom she adored. Growing up, Shirley was especially close to her brother General Robert E. Lee Goodwin, III (Mrs. Viola Goodwin) and also Robindale Goodwin, each of whom have outlived many of their siblings.

She was loved and adored by her family, blessed with many children (Dino, Donna, Tara, Kimberly, and Christian) grandchildren (Olivia & Nick, Kyle, Emily & Ashley, Gabriel & Leila, Nikki & Alex) and great grandchildren (DJ, Konnar, Jackson, Temperance, Alydia, and Zander, Ana, and Noble) Our Mom had a great love for caring for her loved ones, helping raise her siblings, children and grandchildren.

Known for her generosity, laughter, gentle hugs and big smiles, and frequent compliments, she loved us well. Mom made delicious meals, especially her signature breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, and the best milk gravy and biscuits ever.

Outdoor adventures were part of the fabric of our childhood, Mom enjoyed taking us on outings to parks, beach picnics, playing tennis and as we were older, enjoyed walks with her over the Key Biscayne bridge.

Mom came of age during the time of the Kennedys. She often shared Jacqueline Kennedy was her role model as she held herself with dignity during great tragedy. As a child, she lived in Germany, where her stepfather was stationed while serving our country in the Army.

Our Mom became intrigued by history and the formality and beauty of the castles she visited while living abroad with her family. The royal burgundy and gold remained her favorite colors.

Elvis Presley’s music and movies were ever present throughout her home, she was especially fond of one of her treasured hymns being How Great Thou Art. Mom was drawn to the beauty of the scenic places portrayed in Elvis’ many movies.

Mom put her care giving skills to use as a nurse’s aide in Key West and Memphis, working nights so she could care for us during the day.

Later in her life, Mom achieved a role that she held with great pride, Director of Globe Security at Miami International Airport, serving in this role during the terrorist attacks on 9/11, while also raising her youngest son Christian on her own. They also celebrated his 18th birthday on this significant day.

One of our Mom’s fondest early memories is of her maternal grandmother, Grandma Cox, who sang church hymns to her while she worked and rocked her to sleep as a child, the way she embraced her and loved her unconditionally certainly played into our Mom’s lifelong love of children.

Praying our precious Mom rests in the eternal arms, light and love of Jesus.