Sanda B. Thurston was many things: "gracious," a mother and grandmother, and the first woman to be a certified peace officer and law enforcement officer in Butts County. She died Saturday at home, according to the county's social media accounts.
“She holds a significant place in the history of our county ... Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with her sons, Scott and Chris, their families and all who knew and loved this gracious lady,” a post on the county’s Facebook page reads.
Thurston, who was 74, served for more than 20 years in the Jackson Police Department, where she rose to the rank of lieutenant. She later served in the Butts County Sheriff’s Office from 1993 to 2011, where she was a major in jail administration.
Condolences from the community on social media called Thurston “sweet” and “kind.”
“Loved this woman who was such a mentor to women in law enforcement,” Rene Swanson wrote.
Another, Matt Vaughan, said Thurston taught him “about leadership and also being a good person.”
“In 15 years of law enforcement I have worked for a lot of commanders. Major Thurston by far was one of my favorites,” Vaughan wrote.
According to her online obituary, Thurston was born in Jackson — the seat of Butts County — in 1945. In retirement, Thurston spent time reading, spending time with her grandchildren and baking, according to the obit.
She is survived by two sons, a daughter-in-law, four grandchildren and three siblings.
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