Sandra Lee Knight-Helms

Sandra Lee Norton Knight-Helms, of Cleveland Tennessee, passed away on June 19, 2026.

 Sandra was the daughter of Wanda Weaver and the late Johnny Lee Norton.

 She was a graduate of Red Bank High School and UT Knoxville. She prided herself as being a registered professional engineer having worked for FDOT, Bradley County Engineer, Road Commissioner and an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineering. Sandra consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to the engineering profession. Her passion to serve the organizations' best interests helped them to grow, earning her the respect and admiration of its members across the country and paving the way for future female engineers. In 2021 she was honored by having an award named after her The Sandra N. Knight Distinguished Government Service Award. Sandra was a very compassionate and loving person, constant source of comfort, support, and unconditional love. She was the most generous person to her family and friends, always ready to lend a hand or simply listen.

Survived by her husband Thomas "Tucky" Helms, mother Wanda Weaver, siblings Debra Jenkins, Ronnie Norton, Jennifer McHone, and Bartlee Norton (Deborah). Also survived by Kristen Helms and Colton Rinehart. She is leaving behind her beloved fur babies Lucy, Baylee, and Rocky. Although she never had children, she had nieces and nephews that she loved like her own.

 The family will receive friends from 4- 8 p.m. on June 25, 2026, at Companion Funeral Home Cleveland Tennessee in the Ridge Sanctuary. A funeral service will be held at Union McMinn Baptist Church in Niota on June 26, 2026, at 1:00 with a short viewing beginning at 12:00. Mack McCarley will be officiating. The interment will follow in the church cemetery with Matthew Parker, Mark Parker, Jonathan Cantrell, Ronnie Norton, Thomas Helms and Colton Rinehart serving as pallbearers

 In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Society of Civil Engineers at ascefoundation.org or a local charity of your choice.

 You are encouraged to share a memory of Sandra and/or your personal condolences with her family by visiting her memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist her family with these arrangements.