Shanda Haney Obituary

On September 6, 1978, our world was graced with the birth of a precious and beautiful baby girl, Shanda "Shandy" Tennille Haney, born to Randy and Sandy Cogburn Haney, who have treasured and cherished their beloved Shandy each and every day of her 47 years of life. Sadly, just days after celebrating her birthday, on September 12, 2025, Shandy left this earth and peacefully ascended to heaven, where she was met with open arms by her loving daddy at heaven's gate and where Shandy now shines among the heavenly stars as the angel she always was.

Shandy grew up in Haywood County, where the mountains echoed her laughter and the hills and valleys held her dreams. As a little girl, she was a constant joy, a ray of sunshine, a child who delighted in the little things: chasing lightning bugs, laughing and playing with her sisters, riding bicycles, and just spending time with her family. Always sweet, always thoughtful, always kind – that was who Shandy was. A truly gifted athlete from a young age, she poured her energy and passion into basketball, volleyball, and softball. Her natural talent was matched only by her determination to always do her best- Shandy was just that way. She carried her love for sports forward by coaching and mentoring children- instilling in them, not just the fundamentals of sports, but also the importance of respecting others, having good sportsmanship, and always finding the best in others.

After graduating from high school, Shandy continued her education at Haywood Community College, earning her Associate's Degree, of which she was deeply proud. She was a young lady with a sweet spirit, and there was simply nothing that she could not do once she set her mind to it. Her years of employment at Canton Health Care as a secretary and also later working as a night auditor at The Best Western in Maggie Valley reflected her commitment to her working career. It was in Maggie Valley, under the soft glow of the mountain moonlight, that she met John Ciervo - the love of her life. He was visiting North Carolina on a motorcycle trip, and from the moment he saw Shandy, he knew she was the one. Their magical love story has been one of a wonderful life together, and they walked side by side, always loving and supporting each other.

To know sweet Shandy was to know true joy and love. Her smile lit up every room, her glistening blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight, and her genuine kindness wrapped around everyone she met like a gentle embrace. She was simply beautiful, and she had even been chosen to model in a published fashion book. Her elegance and natural beauty were captured in the book, wearing a stylish, handmade crocheted hat with an unforgettable, dreamy look in her gorgeous eyes. Shandy was special.

The outdoors was her sanctuary. Shandy found great peace among the mountains, the trees, nurturing and planting flowers, and she absolutely delighted in the squirrels that scampered around her home. Adventures of riding motorcycles with John through the winding mountain roads with the wind blowing across her face brought a true sense of freedom that Shandy loved and longed for. And the beach- oh, how Shandy loved the ocean and the sand beneath her feet. One final trip to Myrtle Beach with her loving mother and her beloved niece Ryleigh, became a treasured memory in each of their hearts- a special gift of a time filled with fun, laughter, swimming, telling stories under the warm sun, and simply just being together, will be precious memories held onto forevermore.

Shandy cherished her family with all her heart and soul, and each of their hearts are broken and hurting on this day. She has left us far too soon, and her absence leaves a space too vast to fill and a sorrow too deep to measure. Shandy has shown us many life lessons- especially what it means to be brave and to have courage, and to never give up. Most importantly, she has taught us to be thankful for each day we are blessed with and to never forget to tell those we love just how much they mean to us. Shandy has been a true inspiration throughout her life.

She was and will always be our beautiful angel on earth and now in heaven. We will forever feel her gentle spirit when we look at the twinkling stars in the night sky or when we hear the gentle wind whisper through the mountains that Shandy called home. The imprint she has left on our hearts will never fade. Our world and our lives are a better place because of Shandy. Her life has been a gift to each of us, and we shall carry her precious memory with us - always.

She was preceded in death by her loving daddy, Randy Haney, who passed away on April 24, 2024.

Surviving are the love of her life, John Ciervo; her wonderful, loving mother, who was also her guiding light and her best friend, Sandy Cogburn Haney; her sisters, whom she loved with all her heart, Candy Shelton and Mandy Haney, and Marlene; special aunts and uncles, and many nieces and nephews she adored.

A glorious Celebration of her life will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Maggie Valley Creekside Lodge, located at 2716 Soco Road, Maggie Valley, NC. The family invites everyone to join them in honoring Shandy's life with this celebration of happy memories. Shandy would love this!

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is deeply honored to be caring for the Haney family.