Sandra "SaSa" Smith Balchin

Sandra Smith Balchin, known affectionately to her family and close friends as "SaSa," age 76 of Fayetteville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026. Born in Sparta, Georgia, on September 3, 1949, she was the beloved daughter of the late Henry and Alma Smith.

A proud graduate of Georgia College, Sandra began her career serving others as a social worker in Hancock, Hart, and Baldwin counties. In 1983, she and her husband, Ralph Balchin, moved to Fayetteville to raise their family and plant deep roots in the community.

In 1991, they purchased Jones Pharmacy, a local landmark that they owned and operated for 32 years. While Ralph served the community’s health needs, Sandra was the quiet strength behind the business, meticulously managing the finances and ensuring the pharmacy remained a trusted staple of Fayetteville life.

Sandra and Ralph shared a beautiful and enduring marriage of over 52 years. A true daughter of Georgia, she was a woman of intelligence, grace, and deep devotion. She found her greatest fulfillment in her family and the lifelong partnership she built with Ralph.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ralph; her son, Andy Balchin, and his wife, Kristin; and her two cherished granddaughters, Elise and Lana. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara Smith, several nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of friends and former customers who will forever remember her kind heart and her decades of service to the Fayetteville community.

Service Information: A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 12:30 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. at Pierce Memorial Methodist Church, 21 Boland St, Sparta, GA. Arrangements are being handled by Georgia Funeral Care of Acworth, Georgia.

Memorial Contributions: Sandra loved colorful flowers; however, given the lack of local florists near Sparta, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in SaSa’s honor to Pierce Memorial Methodist Church or the Fayette Humane Society.