Sandra Jo Drayton believed that life was an adventure to be relished. From her childhood in Carson City, Nevada, where she was born November 28, 1972, to John William (J.D.) Drayton, who is deceased, and Carolyn (Witt) Drayton Spaulding, who survives in Bridgeport, CT, until she lost her battle with brain cancer at her home in Silver City on January 18, 2016, Sandy did just that.

A 1995 graduate of Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, Sandy's real education came from her zest for life whether participating in the Outward Bound program in Alaska, snorkeling in Hawaii, or embarking on a solo train trip from Texas across the U.S. and up the eastern seaboard. Sandy's motto of GǣThe faster you go, the more you seeGǥ took her to all 50 states and around the world.

She loved photography and worked with renowned San Antonio photographer Paul Overstreet as well as maintaining her own studio for many years before moving to Silver City. She also loved horses, hunting, and celebrating almost anything.

In addition to her mother, Sandy is survived by her sister Penny (Logan) Hemphill and her three children, Jackson, Bennett, and Campbell Hemphill of Fairfield, CT, her step father, Steve Spaulding of Bridgeport, CT, and three step brothers, Michael Spaulding of Atlanta, GA, Christopher Spaulding of Petaluma, CA, and Jeff Spaulding of South Portland, ME. Although not related by blood, Sandy had loved ones wherever she lived. Some of them include Amanda and John Chavez of Silver City, NM who she called her brother and sister as well as Nancy Marion of San Antonio, TX and Whitney Klenzendorf of Austin, TX. Her extended Silver City family also included Michele and Clint Bryan and their sons, Jacob, Cody, and Sean, Nancy Fischer, Mary Lou Kirker, Dotty and Craig Pfiefer, and Rachel Ueland among many others.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice or perhaps just go out to a lovely dinner, and drink a toast to celebrate Sandy's brief but full and wonderful life. There will be no funeral. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. As Sandy would end every visit, GǣSee ya, bye.Gǥ

Cremation has taken place at Terrazas Crematory. Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory GǣTrusted care for the ones you loveGǥ ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.