Sandra Elizabeth Gooden

We are saddened to announce the passing of Sandra Gooden who left this life May 5, 2026 due to complications from treatment for cancer.

Sandra Elizabeth Kelsey was born on August 17, 1954 in Chelmsford, England to William Kelsey and Dolores Jerez Kelsey. She leaves behind a legacy of enduring kindness, loyalty, resilience, friendship, and deep faith.

The twinkle in Sandra’s eyes and the echo of her laughter were born of a life marked by adventure, mischief, music, love, and unforgettable moments. Sandra grew up in a military family. Moving often, Sandra embraced the adventure. Her teenage years began in Essex, England where her stepfather was stationed with the Royal Air Force at Wethersfield. The British Invasion was in full swing and Sandra fell in love with music, travel and the thrill of being young in a world that was changing quickly. She and her sister Elaine traveled the countryside on coaches and attended concerts in intimate settings the rest of us could only dream of. She was lucky enough to see The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Ike and Tina Turner, Roy Orbison and so many others. These were the absolute best days of their young lives.

After Sandra’s stepfather finished serving overseas, the family eventually settled at England Air Force Base in Alexandria, Louisiana. Sandra attended Alexandria Senior High. It was at Valentine Lake the summer before her Senior year where she met the love of her life Kevin Norton. They married and began their life together at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Upon completion of Kevin’s military service, they welcomed their beautiful daughter Erin on January 8, 1973.

Sandra began her professional life as a beautician in Alexandria where she graduated from the Charles McIntyre Beauty School of Pineville. Then, in 1991, she began her 35 year career working at the Alexandria Police Department. There were many divisions she worked for throughout the department. She began in the records division which included Uniform Crime Reporting and expungements. She worked as the secretary to the Detectives Division and served as the recorder for the Hostage Negotiations Team. Sandra then went on to serve as Secretary to the Assistant Chief of Police. Her last position at the Alexandria Police Department was as Secretary to the Chief of Police until the time of her death.

Sandra is survived by her daughter Erin Frances Norton and grandsons Nicholas and Ben Spisak of Lafayette, her sisters Elaine Botelho Fairbanks of Shreveport, Miriam Matthews (Scott) , Anita Raines and Diana Pharis (Greg) of Alexandria, Ian Kelsey of Chelmsford, England, her two nieces Madeline Pharis and Paula Roper and her nephew William Funderburk as well as several aunts and cousins in England. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents William Kelsey and Dolores Jerez Kelsey Raines, her stepfather William Raines and her dear brother Glyn Kelsey.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Hixson Brothers at 701 Jackson Street, Alexandria, Louisiana.