Dr Sandra Laverne Musgrove Obituary (1935 - 2016)

DR. SANDRA L. MUSGROVE Sandra L. Nowland Musgrove, age 80, was born in Grand Rapids, MI. on October 30, 1935 to Rex Nowland and Laverne Connor Nowland, both deceased. She married her high school sweetheart, James Arbing (deceased) after graduating HS in 1954 and had four children: Joan McGibbons (deceased), John Arbing (LeVi), Houston, TX., Jane Kaiser (Rodger), Henderson, NV., and Julie Maser, Friendswood, TX., After James' death, Sandra married John Quinn and had one daughter, Sandra Zapada (Gary), San Antonio, TX. She is also survived by her husband, Freddy G. Musgrove and step-daughter, Judy Rae Monroe (John), Sugar Land, TX., sister, Dee Ryman (Ed), Wayland, MI. and numerous Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews. After James Arbing's death, Sandra became a National Merchandiser for Montgomery Ward where she met and married John Quinn. Moving several times she settled in Las Vegas, NV. where she was an Executive Secretary for Norm Kay (Mary Kay Trio) and decided to go to college. She earned her BA and MA at UNLV and entered graduate school at Claremont Graduate School where she earned her PHD in Urban Studies, Political Science and Government (all within 5 years). She moved to Garland, TX. And worked as a research writer/analyst for PRI. She then moved to Friendswood, TX. and into a position as a History/Government/Political Science professor at South Jacinto College (South Campus). While at San Jacinto College, she began her publishing career with "How to Pass an Objective Examination and How to Pass an Essay Examination", and a weekly column for the Pearland/Friendswood Journal Newspaper "Up The Education." She was approached by textbook publishers to write supplemental material for new textbooks, Teachers Guide, Student Guide and Examination Guide. She also began research on a book, "Americas Royalty, All the Presidents Children" and served on Boards and Commissions for the City of Friendswood and Galveston County. She and Fred divorced their spouses and married on October 24, 1986. Fred served as editor for all her publications and weekly columns over the next 30 years. Sandra wrote a weekly column for over 20 years for the Pearland/Friendswood Journal, the Harold Group of Newspapers (San Antonio), the Rockport Pilot and the Herald Newspaper in Aransas Pass, TX. Sandra's talents were not limited to writing. She was an accomplished artist, public speaker and fisherman (which she loved with a passion). Sandra wanted to work in a private college/university and when approached by Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio TX. to be Chair of the Social Sciences Department, she and Fred moved to San Antonio in 1988. Prior to moving they served as Chairman for the city of Friendswood 4th of July Committee bringing some 40,000 people to Friendswood for the festivities. They also served on the Economic Development Board, Pipeline Committee and several other boards and commissions. As an artist, Sandra sold pen and ink drawings at the Artist Gallery, owned by internationally renowned artist Jaci von Honts, at San Antonio International Airport, Watercolor/Pastel paintings and artwork at the Rockport Center for the Arts, and decorated several homes and businesses in Rockport, TX., especially the children's section of the Rockport Library and the Good Samaritans. She convinced the Rockport Center for the Art's Art Director that cooking was an Art and thus began the "Friday Night Cooks", an activity that is still serving the Art Center with Gourmet Meals prepared and served by the members and auctioned at the annual 4th of July Art Festival (now called the Gourmet Dinner Club). Sandra served on many Boards and Commissions for Aransas County, City of Rockport and Public Service entities. She retired as Professor Emeritus from OLLU in January 1998. Her IQ was in excess of 160. Her mind never stopped working and her talents were so many that it's impossible to detail her life in such a short space. She loved her family, her church and her country. She was a phenomenal lady, multi-talented and beautiful in her own way. The world has lost a truly great talent.