Sandra Lynn (Sparrow) Friedel

Sandra Sparrow Friedel, 63, of Kinston passed away on November 28, 2025. She was a woman of tremendous strength, creativity, and compassion. Sandra leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and inspiration. Despite living with fibromyalgia, she turned her pain into purpose by creating an online support group to help others facing the same struggles. Through her kindness and understanding, she offered countless individuals’ comfort, encouragement, and a place to feel seen.

Gifted in arts and crafts, she expressed her spirit through creation. She was also a talented poet, and several of her poems were published-each one revealing a piece of her heart. Music was her greatest outlet, especially country and gospel. In her later days, gospel music brought her deep peace, allowing her to communicate when words were hard to find. She had a beautiful voice and loved to sing, filling her home and the hearts of others with melody.

A wonderful cook, she poured love into every meal. Feeding others was one of her greatest joys, and her kitchen was always a place of warmth and welcome. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she delighted in decorating “big”, bringing magic and excitement to everyone around her.

She enjoyed TikTok and Facebook videos and loved sharing them with family and friends for a good laugh. She also found joy in simple pleasures, like browsing and shopping on Temu.

She will be remembered for her creativity, her compassion, her humor, and the way she loved with her whole heart. Her presence touched many lives, and her memory will continue to shine brightly through the people she inspired, supported, and cherishes.

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents, Samuel Carl Marshall and Mildren Griffin, sister; Teresa Cole, brother: David Sparrow, and stepfather; Bud Robinson.

She is survived by her husband, Alexander Friedel, of the home, daughter; Amanda Croom (Brian) of Kinston, brother, Clifton "Click" Sparrow; stepson; Matthew Friedel (Jeannie) of Georgia, grandchildren; Haley Carwyle (Weston), Aubrey Croom, Brannigan Croom, Charlotte Friedel, Elizabeth Friedel, and Emily Friedel.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the home of Amanda Croom at 3808 Random Rd., Kinston, NC.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 2:00pm at the home of Amanda Croom at 3808 Random Rd., Kinston, NC, with Pastor Justin Barnett officiating.