But Let’s Start at the Beginning
Sandra Louise Smith was born on May 28, 1944, in Madison County, Alabama. Her parents separated before she was even born, and in her autobiography, she noted that “Although Momma would not admit it, I knew Mr. Smith never married my mother.” When her mother, Pauline, married Alfred Locke in 1948, Sandra and her half-brother Donald adopted his last name.
Sondra Locke. The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter. 1967. Photo By Warner Bros/Kobal/Shutterstock
Sondra grew up in Shelbyville, Tennessee, and was an introspective and ambitious young woman. She started working part-time at 16, drove her own car, and had a telephone in her bedroom (this was the late 50s/early 60s). She was a cheerleader and class valedictorian in high school, earning the title, “Duchess of Studiousness” by her classmates. She also played basketball, served as PTSA representative, and was president of the French club. The girl was busy.