Sandra Gale Hulon Beals went to Heaven on April 26. The angels are anxiously awaiting her arrival, with loving hearts and a mischievous twinkle in their eyes. They are in for a joyful treat; Sandi Beals was a human tour de force. With her beloved husband Alan by her side, Sandi had a tremendous impact on her friends, the Savannah community, and everyone else she encountered through her travels in life.

Sandi was born on April 11,1939 in Atlanta, the daughter of Nannette and Tom Hulon. From an early age, she demonstrated a joie de vivre that defined her for the rest of her life. Active in all sports in high school, Sandi excelled in cheer-leading – which was appropriate, as she became a cheerleader and passionate advocate for important causes throughout her life. When Sandi became involved in an organization, she didn’t just serve as a member, she took on a leadership position with energy, passion, and skill.

Committed to the Arts and the role the Arts play in uplifting people’s lives, Sandi was appointed by two Georgia Governors to the Georgia Arts Counsel. She was the State President of Georgia Citizens for the Arts for three years, traveling throughout Georgia helping small communities integrate Art into citizens’ daily lives. She served three terms for Chatham County Arts and was a lobbyist for the Arts for 13 years.

A Master Gardener from the University of Georgia, Sandi served as President of the Savannah Botanical Gardens. She later joined the Board of Directors at the Friends of Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens and served as President for three terms. With an innate flair for entertaining, Sandi chaired dozens of fundraisers at the Garden over the course of 25 years. One of her greatest accomplishments was the establishment of the “Sandi and Alan Beals” Bamboo Maze at the Gardens, a living tribute to the passion and commitment of Sandi and Alan. In 2015, Sandi and Alan were voted Savannah Environmental Volunteers of the Year by the United Way.

There is almost no area of Savannah community life in which Sandi was not involved. She served on the Legislative Action Committee for Savannah Homebuilders and served as the first President of the Home Builders Women’s Auxiliary. She was a Board Member for Historic Savannah Foundation, Parent and Child Development, Florence Crittendon Home, and chaired a major fundraiser for Savannah Jazz Festival for a Johnny Mercer night.

Sandi not only had a profound impact through her non-profit work, she found the perfect job to enhance the community through her professional life, as well. As Vice President at the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, Sandi headed up Leadership Savannah, and Military-Civilian Relations for the Chamber and the City. She was awarded the Army’s Meritorious Medal for developing a program for new soldiers being processed at Fort Stewart. In the early 1980s, Sandi was voted Savannah Professional Woman of the Year.

In 1982, Sandi married her beloved Alan Beals, Executive Director of the National League of Cities. After her marriage to Alan, Sandi and her family moved to Washington, DC and took our nation’s Capital by storm. Known for her entertaining acumen and problem-solving skills, Sandi was invited to serve as a VIP trouble shooter for President George Bush for his Inaugural Balls in Washington. Sandi traveled throughout the world with her “Sweet Alan” and gained recognition from Heads of State and diplomats for her wit, style, and playful nature.

Sandi was an active member of the Isle of Hope United Methodist Church for the past 28 years. She was a 30-year member of the Huntingdon Woman’s Club and the Huntingdon Woman’s Guild where she served as President and received the Member of the Year Award. Sandi had extraordinary innate creative talents including painting, calligraphy, and piano playing. Without any formal instruction, Sandi could sit down at her grand piano and play any song by ear – and always with a great flourish. Sandi was often asked to play piano for the Church service and brought great joy through her musical talents to the Dementia and Alzheimer’s ministries at Hope Arbor.

Sandi was the matriarch of her family. She is preceded in death by her mother and father Tom and Nannette Hulon; four sons: Toby Poston (Tammy), Jacob Adair (Paige), Steve Campbell, Chuck Campbell, and daughter, Vicki Adair. “Mama Sandi” loved spending time with her family, especially grandchildren. Grands include: Toby Lane Poston, Jr. (Casie), Tiffany Poston, Tara Poston, Hope Adair Patton Carrillo (Brandon), Tyler Adair. Her extended family includes: Kim Beals/Mike Nicholas, Cathy Beals, Vernon Beals (Beth), Collin Nicholas (Paula), Patrick Nicholas, Nicole Nicholas, Aaron Beals, JP Beals, and Callen Beals.

Sandi wanted to express her most sincere appreciation to all those who supported the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens over the years. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Friends of Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens or Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, Hope Arbor Program.

The Funeral Service to celebrate her life will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church.  A reception will folllow the service, also at the church. 

A private burial will be held in Greenwich Cemetery.