Dora Dane McNeill Sandhu
August 12, 2020
Dora Dane McNeill Sandhu, 96, of West Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully at home on the evening of August 12, 2020. A private family service will be held at Ebenezer Pentecostal Holiness Church, Saturday, August 15, 2020, 11:00 AM. The service can be viewed on Facebook and YouTube by connecting to Ebenezer Pentecostal Holiness Church through either source. The church logo includes the name, with a cross, and red dots around it.
Mrs. Sandhu was born in McCormick, SC, and was the daughter of the late Freddie Oscar and Winnie Dane Dew McNeill. Dora was predeceased by her sister, Winifred M. Caines, and her three brothers: Rev. James R. McNeill (Gerri), O. Ray McNeill (Mildred), and P. Wesley McNeill (Ginger). She is survived by her husband, Jarnail Singh Sandhu, and two sons: Bobby Singh (Madhu) and Anand Singh (Holly), her grandson Paul Singh Sandhu, her sister, Beth Stalbaum, and numerous nieces and nephews.
From a young age, the desire of Dora’s heart was to be a teacher and a missionary. And her Lord and Savior brought both of those dreams to fruition through some unusual paths. Her education began at Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, Georgia, followed by nursing school in Washington, DC. She continued her education while working as a public health nurse, eventually receiving her master’s degree in nursing. A few years later, Lander University began its search for someone to head up its nursing program. She applied and helped to begin the nursing program at Lander, thus fulfilling her desire to teach. After leaving Lander, she became the executive director of the South Carolina Nurses Association, where she intended to stay, possibly until retirement. However, there was still another dream on her heart.
In 1971, Dora took a group of young people from Ebenezer on a mission trip to Mexico. After that trip, she wrote to the denominational mission director that she felt it was time. After being accepted as a missionary, she spent several years in Hong Kong serving as a missionary nurse and as principal of the Wing Kwong College high school. This was the fulfillment of her missionary dream and also held a bonus for her. She met her husband, Jarnail, at an international church service while in Hong Kong. After moving to the United States, she assisted with their import business and continued ministry in her local church.
Memorials can be made to the Missions Department of the Ebenezer Pentecostal Holiness Church, 501 Church Street, West Columbia, SC 29172.
On behalf of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church and, in particular, its missionary family, I extend our most heartfelt condolences to you, the family and friends, of Mrs. Dora McNeill Sandhu.
Mrs. Sandhu was a ‘licensed’ clergy member of the Mid-Atlantic Conference when she first met with the World Missions Board expressing her desire to go to Hong Kong, China, to serve as a medical missionary. The World Missions Board unanimously approved her appointment as a career missionary and requested “that she leave as soon as arrangements can be made.” Being an exceptionally gifted lady, her tenure of service included her serving as a medical missionary, principal of the Wing Kwong Secondary School, Women’s Auxiliary member, pastor of a church, assistant pastor, she directed and served in children’s ministry, and as an administrator of a clinic and high school, all while serving as a career missionary in Hong Kong, China, from 1972-1979. Though her absence in body is deeply felt, her example has left an eternal impact on the kingdom and those she encountered here on this earth.
‘Grace be with you all.’"
Bishop J. Talmadge Gardner
Executive Director, IPHC World Missions Ministries
