Sandra

Alfaro

Nora “Sandra” Alfaro of Kilgore, Texas, was called home to be with her Lord on November 12, 2026.

Born in Lima, Peru, Sandra was the beloved daughter of Gerardo and Nora Alcorta. From a young age, she developed a love for music, learning to play the guitar and later teaching her younger brother, lovingly known as "Jerricito," to play as well.

Sandra dedicated much of her life to teaching. She served in several schools throughout Peru, but her most rewarding work came from teaching children with physical disabilities. Her patience, compassion, and servant's heart left a lasting impact on countless students and families.

Sandra was briefly married and became the proud mother of two children, Marisol and Roger. Faced with difficult circumstances, she courageously relocated to Texas in 1986 when her children were young, where she devoted herself to raising them as a single mother.

In 1991, Sandra met the love of her life, Miguel Alfaro. United by their faith and commitment to God's work, they married in July 1993. Together they attended Seminario Teológico Bautista in Greenville, Texas, where they both earned their degrees in 1999. Following their calling, Miguel and Sandra began their ministry in Kilgore, serving as pastors of Iglesia Bautista in the late 1990s. Through their faithful service, they touched the lives of many and became pillars of the local Spanish-speaking community.

Sandra later earned her certification in Chemical Dependency Counseling and worked for several years at the Women's Shelter of Kilgore, where she compassionately supported victims of domestic violence. Her dedication to helping others reflected her unwavering faith and deep love for her community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved grandmother, Angelica "Mama Mia" Southwell Fernandez de Paredes; her father, Gerardo Alcorta; her brothers, Agusto Alcorta and Richard Alcorta; her cherished aunts, Mary Southwell, Violet Kessler, and Nelly Southwell; her uncle, Harry Southwell; and her brother-in-law, Juan Alfaro.

Sandra leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service. She is survived by her devoted husband, Miguel Alfaro; her son Roger Pinto, daughter, Marisol Hartnett, and son-in-law, Daniel Hartnett, of Kilgore; and her beloved granddaughters, Kaylee and Kacey Hartnett, who were the joy of her life and whom she affectionately called her "mujercitas (little ladies)."

She is also survived by her mother, Nora Southwell; her sister, Gaby Alcorta; her brother, Jerry Alcorta Sr., and sister-in-law, Elva Alcorta; her nephew, Jerry Alcorta and his wife, Lixy Alcorta; her niece, Amy Rodriguez and her husband, Chris Rodriguez; her niece, Anna Darias and her husband, Anthony Darias; and her treasured grandnieces and grandnephews, Grayson Alcorta, Aubrey Alcorta, Caleb Rodriguez, Mathew Rodriguez, Alyssa Darias, Jonathan Darias, Johanna Darias, and Adelynn Darias.

Sandra is further survived by her mother-in-law, Maria Amaya; her sisters-in-law, Paula Amaya, Jubelina Mancia, Victoria Alfaro, Carmen Cortez, and Consuelo Alfaro; and her brothers-in-law, Alfredo Alfaro, Adrian Alfaro, and Jose Alfaro, along with numerous extended family members, church family, and dear friends who were bo blessed by her life and testimony.

Sandra will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, faithful servant of God, counselor, teacher, and friend. Her kindness, strength, unwavering faith, and heart for serving others will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the promise of eternal life and finds comfort in knowing she is now in the presence of her Savior.

"His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." – Matthew 25:23.