For days after April 14, 2026, people in Fayetteville, Georgia, have been quietly holding onto memories of Sandra Smith Balchin. She died peacefully at 76. To family and close friends, she was known as SaSa—a name that carried the same warmth she extended to neighbors, pharmacy customers, and anyone who crossed her path over many years in the area.
Sandra was born in Sparta, Georgia, on September 3, 1949, to Henry and Alma Smith. Her parents are no longer living. She grew up in an environment that emphasized kindness and responsibility. Those early lessons never left her. They turned into a steady instinct to help, which showed up again and again throughout her life.
She graduated from Georgia College with pride. Her first professional role was as a social worker, serving Hancock, Hart, and Baldwin counties. In that position, she worked directly with families and individuals who needed support. It was not just a job for her. It came from a genuine sense of purpose.
In 1983, Sandra and her husband, Ralph Balchin, relocated to Fayetteville. They wanted to raise their family there and put down lasting roots. Their marriage would eventually stretch beyond 52 years. Their home became a place of shared goals and small, daily pleasures.
In 1991, eight years after relocating, the couple bought Jones Pharmacy. They managed it jointly for thirty-two years. Ralph was in charge of the health services department. Behind the scenes, Sandra handled finances and ensured the pharmacy continued to be a reliable destination for locals. Her meticulous attention to detail contributed to the company’s transformation from a shop to a local landmark.
Sandra is survived by her husband, Ralph; her son, Andy Balchin, and his wife, Kristin; her granddaughters, Elise and Lana; her sister, Barbara Smith; several nieces and nephews; and a wide network of friends and former customers who will hold onto their memories of her quiet generosity.
A visitation is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 1:30 p.m. Both will take place at Pierce Memorial Methodist Church in Sparta. Georgia Funeral Care of Acworth is handling arrangements. Those who come will gather to remember a woman whose decades of steady service and gentle presence left an imprint that will not fade quickly.