Women’s History Month Spotlight: Sandy A. Perry-Bey

During Women’s History Month, we proudly celebrate Sandy A. Perry-Bey, a woman whose life reflects legacy, service, creativity, and purpose. 

Sandy A. Perry-Bey is the daughter of Mary E. (Story) Carter and the granddaughter of Addie  (Barnes) Story, carrying forward generations of strength, wisdom, and perseverance. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, and now residing in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Sandy remains deeply connected to her roots, family, and community. 

A portrait of two women smiling together, one wearing a stylish hat and a light-colored outfit, and the other in a dark embroidered top.

She is a proud 1981 graduate of Grandy High School ( Go Comets!), where her early curiosity and creativity began to take shape. With dreams of storytelling through images, Sandy attended the Commonwealth School of Photography, aspiring to become a photojournalist. Although life redirected her path, her love for storytelling, truth, and documentation never left her. Sandy later graduated from Barclay Medical School and dedicated more than 35 years to the medical field. Serving patients and families with compassion, professionalism, and dedication.  Before her Mom’s passing this past November at the young age of 100, her commitment to caregiving extended beyond her profession, earning her recognition as one of many individuals honored by Health and Awareness as a Caregiver, a reflection of her selfless service and heart for others. 

A group of eight individuals seated in a row, wearing matching black t-shirts with various colorful graphics, in front of a red curtain and decorated altar.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sandy is also an author. Her children’s book, “Khadiyah Goes to Washington, DC”, tells a powerful story of witnessing voting suppression during Virginia’s 2009 Presidential Election through the eyes of a nine-year-old child – a meaningful contribution to civic awareness and historical reflection. She is also the author of the “Living Single Cookbook,” which features cherished recipes, some lovingly handed down through generations. 

 

Illustration of a young girl named Khadiyah in front of the U.S. Capitol building, with the title 'Khadiyah Goes to Washington, D.C.' and the author's name 'Sandy A. Carter.'
Back cover of a book featuring a child in a colorful headscarf, with a brief description of the story about voting suppression in Virginia's 2009 Presidential Election.

Today, Sandy has found renewed fulfillment as a Life Broker with Retirement Income Life and  an Independent Associate with PPLSI, standing proudly with “We Are Women in LegalShield.” In this chapter, she continues her lifelong mission of service by helping families secure appropriate coverage, offering guidance tailored to each client’s budget and personal circumstances, and providing free consultations so families can make informed, confident decisions about their future. https://ssandyannperrybey.legalshieldassociate.com/ 

A QR code featuring a pixelated design and a small, embedded photograph.
Headshot of a woman with long black hair, wearing a blue polo shirt with the text 'Restaurant Institute' embroidered on it.

Faith and service remain central to Sandy’s life. She is a devoted member of her father’s and grandparents’ family church, the historic First Baptist Church on Bute Street in Norfolk, Virginia, and she actively volunteers with the church’s food pantry, helping to feed and support those in need. 

A collage showcasing various custom-designed items including signs, pens, and keychains by Lady Bronze Designs. The top right features colorful pens, the bottom right displays keychains, and the left side shows a variety of signs with motivational phrases.

Lady Bronze Designs / Productions

In her personal time, Sandy’s creativity, Lady Bronze Design/Production, flourishes. Her favorite pastimes include crafting, gardening, sewing, writing, photography, filming, cooking,  and decorating — all expressions of a life lived with imagination, intention, and heart.

Sandy A. Perry-Bey represents the essence of womanhood: evolving, resilient, creative, and committed to lifting others. Her story reminds us that purpose can change form, but it never fades. 

A Poem for Sandy A. Perry-Bey 

A Woman Still Becoming 

Born of stories, strong and true, 

From women who taught her how to do —

How to stand firm, how to believe,

How to give more than she would receive.

From Norfolk’s streets to ocean air,

She carried dreams with thoughtful care.

A lens once framed her youthful sight,

Capturing truth, revealing light. 

Though paths may bend, they do not break.

Each turn became the choice to make.

In healing halls, with steady grace,

She served humanity face-to-face.

Now she protects in another way,

guarding futures, come what may.

With wisdom earned and purpose clear,

She brings assurance, calm, and cheer.

She writes our stories, feeds the soul,

With words and meals that make us whole.

With faith, with hands, with heart so wide,

She serves with love, she does not hide.

Sandy Perry-Bey, her life proclaims:

A woman of courage, many names.

Still growing, giving, journeying through —

A living history… strong, and true.

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