Sandra Louise Morton, 77 of Broad Creek finally got her wish to “go home” on Sunday, May 10, 2026. She was held in love and peace at her earthly home by her family as she left this world for heaven. A private family service will be held later in the year.

Sandra was born to Manly and Corinne Morton on Sunday, July 18, 1948, at their family home in Broad Creek, North Carolina. She was one of six children raised in this small, close-knit family coastal community. She was a curious young lady with a deep love of reading. She was always wise beyond her years and was known for being quite funny. At one point she convinced her young children that she was the little girl on the “Morton Salt” box. She shared a special bond with her youngest sister, JoAnn, as they were closest in age. They shared a room and did homework together. In her youth, she was active within Broad Creek Methodist church and later served as a children’s Sunday school teacher. She spent countless days along the shores of Bogue Sound and the family's scallop house. She became a very efficient scallop shucker and could fill a bucket or a bowl almost as fast as her older sister Edith.

She married a boy from Beaufort, Augusta “Gus” Darden on February 5, 1966. In 1969, they had a son, Mark. In 1971, they had a daughter, Kelly Jo. Tragically her first love, Gus lost his life in 1978. In November 1980, she married another boy from Beaufort, Albert Pokrzywa. He had two daughters, Lisa and Michelle Pokrzywa. Then in 1986, they had their daughter, Cambria Pokrzywa together.

From 1980 through 1981, while fulfilling the duties of a wife and mother of four children, she attended Carteret Community College. She earned a Licensed Practical Nursing degree with honors. She worked briefly as a home health nurse for several patients. After a couple of years, she placed her career on hold and devoted her complete attention to her family. Once her youngest child was a couple of years old, she decided to return to the workforce. A complete career change occurred, and she dedicated her final seventeen working years as a rural letter carrier with the United States Postal Service in Newport, North Carolina before eventually retiring. During her life, she was known for her patience, selflessness, nurturing nature, and love for children. Her nurses’ training prepared her for an extensive time spent caring for her elderly parents and siblings as they navigated various health challenges through the years.

As she aged, she rededicated her life to our Savior, Jesus Christ. She knew the power of prayer and spent much time reading and studying her Bible. Sandra was a proud member of Glad Tidings Church in Morehead City, North Carolina. She lived briefly with her beloved sister, Janice Gulledge. They became closer than ever and did everything together. During this time, her relationship with Jesus grew extensively. Her sister-in-law, Deborah Chapin served as a dedicated spiritual mentor and beloved friend by praying over her and for her. They exchanged phone calls and mail regularly and visited as often as they were able.

Connie Mathiews, who was a former classmate of Sandra’s children served not only as an aide, but also as a companion and sister in Christ. Connie took care of “Mama Sandra” as if she was her own.

She is survived by her son, Mark Darden (Wendy); her daughters, Kelly Fick (Michael), Lisa Frazar (Ben), Michelle Sawyer (Perry), and Cambria Bodine (Josef); nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Janice Gulledge and JoAnn Adams. She was loved by and leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, Gus Darden; father, Manly Morton; mother, Corinne Morton; brother Earl Morton; and sisters, Edith Martine and Velna Golden.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Sandra’s honor to Glad Tidings Church, 4621 Country Club Road, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557, or your home church.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.