Sandra “Sam” Howard

Central, SC

Sandra Gail “Sam” Riggins Howard, age 70, of Central, SC, passed away on August 18, 2026, at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson, SC, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Sandra faced the reality of her illness with courage and grace, understanding that her time was short and choosing to spend it in comfort, surrounded by the people she loved. She met the end of her life with the same strength, unwavering spirit, and resilience that had carried her through it.

Born in Greenville, SC, on February 22, 1956, Sandra was the daughter of Shelba Jean Smith Riggins and the late Richard Andrew Riggins of Six Mile, SC. She was a graduate of Daniel High School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Southern Wesleyan University. Sam retired from Champion Aerospace in Liberty after a career as a Master Planner and Scheduler for manufacturing companies throughout upstate South Carolina and Georgia.

Sandra loved her daughter, her family-including her many nieces and nephews-and her friends deeply. She delighted in nature, spending time in her greenhouse gardening and propagating orchids and night-blooming flowers. Sam also enjoyed reading cookbooks, trying both new recipes and old favorites, collecting antiques and vintage jewelry, sewing, and creating crafts. She loved to laugh, loved music, and delighted in the thrill of a good thrift-store or flea market find.

Above all, Sandra was a mother who loved her daughter fiercely. Her daughter, Stephanie, remembers that at the end of nearly every visit, as Stephanie was leaving, Sandra would say, “There was something I was gonna tell you, but I can’t remember what it was.” On many occasions, Stephanie threatened to have that sentence carved into her mother’s tombstone. She was the best Momma Stephanie could have asked for. They faced hard times and made it through them together. And one day, when those she loved join her again, Sandra will have so much to tell them-including all those things she was going to say, but just couldn’t remember.

Sandra is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Howard (Mark Askinas); her mother, Shelba Riggins; her sisters, Renee Thrift (Robert), Connie Martin (Larry), and Jennifer Williams; her sister-in-law, Karen Riggins; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Each of them carries treasured memories of Sam’s kindness, laughter, and compassion that will live on in their hearts forever.

In addition to her father, Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Stephen “Steve” Howard; her brother, Andy Riggins; and her sister, Kathy Smith.

A graveside service celebrating Sam’s life will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring the remarkable legacy of a woman who touched so many lives.

In this time of sorrow, we find solace in the memories of Sam’s laughter, strength, and unwavering love. May her soul rest in peace as we gather to reflect on the beautiful life she lived.

Online condolences and shared memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.