Mrs. Sandra Rae Collins Atwell, 75, of 4022 Hillview Circle, Shelby, died Sunday, May 10, following a long battle with cancer.

She was the younger of two children born to Stanley and Florence Collins on August 11, 1950, in Manchester, NH. Mrs. Atwell grew up in various locations in New England, the North East, and Florida before, along with her parents, making Shelby her home in 1967. She graduated from Shelby High School in 1968 and from Wingate College in 1970. She then attended UNC Charlotte where she met her husband Alex whom she married in 1971. Sandy and Alex enjoyed their life together until his death in 2015.

Sandy was dedicated to her family and actively involved with her children's activities throughout their school years, volunteering countless hours to various groups including PTO, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Booster Clubs, Sunday School, and Youth Groups and was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church for many years. When her children were older, she opened Atwell Copy Shop which she operated for over 15 years. Her love and commitment touched the lives of many.

Surviving loved ones include her daughter Melissa with granddaughter Britney and significant other Johnathon Wallace; her son Josh and wife Jen with grandson Jameson; her son Jake and wife Sabrina with grandson Max; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in the Sunset Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Online Condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.