Sandra Louise "Sandy" Lambert Howard, seventy-two years of age, of Putney, Kentucky, made it home with Jesus on Saturday, December 23, 2023, after a brief stay at the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital. What a homecoming she must have received from loved ones who were waiting to welcome her, including her husband, Harold Lee Howard; her parents, John D and Margaret Lambert; a nephew, Rick Lambert; and a sister-in-law, Mary Ruth Lambert.

Sandy was born on November 4, 1951, in Loyall, Kentucky, to the Reverend John D and Margaret (Herman) Lambert. She was the younger sister of two brothers and was definitely the most spoiled of the children. At the age of seven, God touched her tender heart and saved her. She was baptized in 1958. Sandy attended Loyall Elementary/Jr High School and graduated from James A. Cawood High School in 1969. She was raised in church since her daddy was a minister and she was a typical 'preacher's kid' but as she matured in her faith, she lived her life as a true Christian. She was a Sunday School teacher for both youth and adult classes at Calvary Baptist Church. Her faith played a vital role in transforming Sandy into who she truly was.

Many who knew Sandy became acquainted with her during the years she worked at Belk department store, where she worked for many years. She also worked at LamKo Building Supply for her uncle, Jack Lambert. Her longest position was working for the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital as a medical records clerk, where she became the mother-figure of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood group, which included five women: Sandy, Leslie, April, Flo, and Patty. This group of women shared a deep love based on friendship, support, acceptance, and unconditional love. The close bond between these five women continued on even after Sandy retired.

Sandy married the love of her life, Harold Lee Howard, and they built a life that they absolutely loved! They were married for 42 years and loved to travel, loved gathering with family, and loved to laugh. One of the greatest joys of Sandy's life was when God saved Harold and he became a member of Calvary Baptist Church, was active in the Brotherhood, and was the music leader. When Harold passed away in 2018, Sandy gained a new companion… a tiny, white, fluffy furball of a puppy, whom she named Trooper.  That name was chosen in honor of Harold's many years serving as a Kentucky State Police trooper. Trooper is a Maltese and he and Sandy were inseparable. For the past five years, they have been side by side. Anyone driving down the road could tell Sandy's car because of the white fluffy head sticking out the driver's window. Sandy will be missed by many family and friends but perhaps none will miss her more than Trooper.

To know Sandy was to love her. You took her as she was…stubborn, opinionate, incredibly generous, bossy, hilarious. She loved to laugh, loved her family more than anything, and loved gathering together to share a meal, which she did every Sunday with her brother Jim and his wife, Gail, who also happened to be Sandy's best friend. While it's hard to imagine life without that smile, loud laughter, and room-filling presence, we are assured that she is now basking in the glory of her Savior, Jesus Christ.

Left to cherish her memory are her brothers, Retired Major John D. Lambert, Jr. of Palmyra, IN, and James L. Lambert and his wife, Gail, of Baxter, KY; her Calvary Baptist Church family; Brenda Lambert; a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and many dear friends, as well as her beloved sidekick, Trooper.

Visitation for Sandy will be held Tuesday, December 26, 2023, in the chapel of the Harlan Funeral Home from 5:00-7:00pm, with the funeral beginning at 7:00. Reverend David Overbay will be officiating. A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, December 27, at 11:00am at Resthaven Cemetery, Keith, KY.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Sandy L. Howard.