Sandra De Vries

Sandra De Vries (formerly Woolverton), 87, passed away peacefully while in Hospice on June 26th 2024, in Naples Florida. She was born in Tuscola, Illinois, to Woodrow and Edith Woolverton on May 6, 1937.

Sandra grew up in and around Broadlands, Illinois where she was involved in many community activities. Sandra loved to sing and play the piano and she was often asked to perform for various events.

In 1955 she graduated from Newman High School and soon left to attend Central College in Pella Iowa where she met her future husband, George De Vries. They were married in August of 1957 in Newman, Illinois. After marriage, Sandra continued her college career by attending and graduating from the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana.

Sandra and her husband moved their young family to Miami in the 1960’s. She moonlighted by acting on stage in a popular dinner-theater called Tony’s Fish Market. She was very creative and her talents extended beyond the stage. Sandra’s eye for design did not go unnoticed and she was soon hired as the head costume designer for Vaughn Parades which produced the King Orange Jamboree parade. The Parade was the only nighttime parade in the country that aired nationally on New Years Eve on NBC for many years. Once again, Sandra’s costume designs played an important role in a Miami Beach theatrical production. Her talents were put to use on the set of “Hooray USA,” a musical production. The 1976 show was in celebration of America’s 200th anniversary at the Miami Beach Convention Center, which was televised on national TV.

After Vaughn Parades shut down production, Sandra worked in retail and subsequently in property management while residing in Naples, Florida. She spent her leisure time traveling with friends and visiting with family. Sandra was a passionate University of Illinois sports fan and was usually found glued to the TV whenever a game was broadcast. Sandra is survived by her brother Andy Woolverton of Newman, Illinois, her son Geoffrey De Vries (Margie) of Sidney, Illinois, her son Gregory De Vries of Naples, Florida, her daughter, Jennifer Gregorisch of Miami Lakes, Florida. Also surviving are her grandchildren Bryan and Dale De Vries, Normando (Vanessa) Gregorisch and Blake Gregorisch and great-granddaughter Jasmine Gregorisch and several other extended family members.

Visitation will be held at Joines Funeral Home, 401 W. Gillogly St. Newman, Illinois 61942, at 11:00 .am. on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 . Memorial Services will immediately follow at 12:00 noon. After the Memorial Service there will be a gathering at the American Legion Post #201, 102 E Green St, Newman, IL 61942 for fellowship and food.

Donations in memory of Sandra may be made to:

Avow Hospice of Naples

1095 Whippoorwill Lane

Naples, FL 34105

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