Sondra L. McKellar

Sondra Louise McKellar, a sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on September 5, 2023, in Wilmington, NC, at the age of 78. Born on December 29, 1944, in Red Springs, NC, Sondra lived a life filled with compassion and dedication to her medical profession.

Sondra’s career in the medical field spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touched. She graduated from New Hanover High School, James Walker School of Nursing, and Family Nurse Practitioner School at UNC Chapel Hill. She owned her own medical business, Topsail Family Medicine, in Hampstead, NC, for many years and previously worked as a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Departments of Pender Memorial Hospital in Burgaw and New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington. The adrenaline rush of working in the ER was invigorating to her, and she thrived on the opportunity to care for her patients.

As a child, Sondra enjoyed Sunday drives with her family after attending Sunday School. These drives took them through the streets of Wilmington to Greenfield Lake for a picnic and visit to the zoo, followed by riding the miniature train, to Legion Stadium to see the Harness Racing Horses that over wintered there, and to the airport to watch the Piedmont planes taking off and landing. She later enjoyed playing basketball and softball at New Hanover High School. Her fond memories of those times were cherished throughout her life.

In her final years, Sondra faced the challenges of advanced-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the difficulties she encountered, she continued to find joy and purpose in simple tasks. Her Sister, Beth, would like to extend a special thank you to Barbara and Dorothy, who provided exceptional care for her at Azalea Health & Rehabilitation Center. They went above and beyond, including giving her paperwork to “work” on, sitting in her wheelchair at the nurses’ station, which brought her immense happiness. Azalea’s team of nurses, PA’s, Social Workers, aides, office staff and maintenance staff were all excellent in their care of her!

In her last months, as Alzheimer’s raged through her body and mind, she was bed ridden and retreated into herself. Hospice’s team of Nurses, Aides, Pastors and Social Workers provided excellent care for her and Beth during her last year, providing medical and spiritual care.

Sondra was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Howard McKellar Sr. and Mary Frances McKellar, as well as her brother, H. Howard McKellar, Jr. and his wife, Susie. She leaves behind her sister, Beth Watkins Norris (Don), nephew Chad Watkins and his significant other, Melanie, and niece Erin Watkins Cohan (Jason) and their children Jason and Joshua, and many McKellar cousins.

There are no services planned at this time.

Please leave memories and condolences for Sondra’s family by signing the Tribute Wall below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation – Wilmington Chapel – 1535 S. 41st Street Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099