Sandra Gayle Dodson Pennington

Sandra Gayle Dodson Pennington, 62, of Houston, passed away on March 11, 2026, at Trend Health & Rehab. Born on December 20, 1963, in Houston to James Dodson and Ophelia McAnally Dodson, she attended Macedonia Methodist Church throughout her life.

Sandra attended school in Houston and worked various jobs during her career, including as a cashier and factory worker. She especially enjoyed her time as a tax preparer with H & R Block, yet she considered her most important role to be that of homemaker and mother. Deeply involved in her children’s lives, she taught Bible classes and coached soccer. She loved to cook and was known for her outstanding cornbread. Her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “MaMaw,” were her pride and joy. She devoted herself to them, often playing outside and taking them to the park.

She will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother who created many cherished memories for her family.

Sandra is survived by her daughters, Amy Nichols and Tiffany Nichols, both of Houston, and Jessica Pennington of Batesville; her brothers, Jamie Dodson (Tina) and Stevie Dodson, both of Houston; her grandchildren, Ansley Coleman, Kason Coleman, Jossilyn Coleman, Micah Coleman, Jacob Renfro, and Courtney Bumpous; and her niece, Kayla Fisher. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ophelia Dodson; her husband, Steven Nichols; and her brother, Danny Dodson.