January 28, 1950 - June 26, 2026
Sandra Faye Appling passed away peacefully in her home from her short battle with cancer on Friday June 26, 2026, surrounded by her family.
She was born on January 28, 1950, in Bridgeport Alabama to Robert and Dorothy Berryhill. She was the second oldest of nine children.
She married Robert Joe Appling in 1967 and they started their family. They had a total of 5 children, two daughters and 3 sons. They moved around a lot following the harvest as that was their way of life.
They settled down in Lodi in 1982 and called it home. They wanted their children to have stability. They both started working for Delta Packing. Sandra also worked for Haynes Board and Care in Lockeford. She loved working with the residents there. They brought her joy. She would always take her daughter to the Christmas party the had and she would tell her, “This is the best time for them, look at their smiles.”
She loved her family more than anything, they were her most treasured possession. She was the happiest when her family and friends gathered around and the music and laughter could be heard for miles. She enjoyed cooking big meals for everyone, she always welcomed anyone in her home for a meal. She enjoyed canning, couponing and bunco. She enjoyed going to the casino as much as she could. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the lights of her life. She would light up when they entered the room. The babies dancing, laughing, smiling and just being there were the best part of her days.
She was very proud of her children and that they all graduated high school. Her two eldest sons Robert Jr. and Ernest joined the Army. That made her and our dad very proud. Her youngest son Terry was the first to give her a grandchild, a baby girl. She was born on our parents’ anniversary. Her daughter Melissa was her joy. They talked for hours and in the latter years were more than mother/daughter they were best friends. They would enjoy shopping, going to the casino, and playing bunco with friends.
She is proceeded in death by her parents Robert and Dorothy Berryhill, her sisters Cathie Adams and Mary Raymond, her brothers, Bill Berryhill and Wayne Berryhill. Her husband Robert Joe Appling. Her children Robert Joe Appling, Jr. and Charlene Evette Appling.
She is Survived by her children:
Melissa Ann Davis (Mike), Ernest Wayne Appling (Sarah), Terry Lynn Appling (Becky).
We consider Kristi Guzman (Anthony), Amber Montgemery, Mike Kackley (Mary), Angel Lonsinger, her daughters and son as well.
Her sisters Deborah Masters (Thomas), Diane Williams and brother Danny Berryhill. Bother-in-law Donald Appling (Christine).
She has several nieces and nephews, most notable Bill Raymond who is more like a son. She has several great nieces and nephews.
She has 11 grandchildren:
Karissa Appling (Virgil), Kayla Appling, Amanda Appling, Tera Appling, Terry Appling, Breanna Gonzalez, (Jayson), Alyssa Appling, Baylie Ward (Allan), Aiden Franklin, Devin Guzman, Penelope Guzman.
6 great grandchildren:
Ivy Graham, Robert Graham, Noah Ward, Alivia Ward, Mabel Gonzalez, Marcello Martinez.
A special thank you to Becky Appling for all your hard work in taking care of mom during this last year especially. We love you.
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 8:00pm on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 in the Merlot Room in Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Appling family.