Sandra Marie May

Sandra Marie (Johnson) May died on 25 September 2024 following a lengthy illness. She was born 03 June 1942, in Los Angeles, CA, to Richard Leslie and Marianna Teresa (Mauro) Johnson. Much of her childhood was spent living in Des Moines, IA, but her family moved to Dallas in the mid-50s, where she graduated from Richardson High School. Matriculating to Texas Women's University, she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She was employed variously as Nursing Instructor at Texas Eastern University School of Nursing, private women's health clinics, and as a psychiatric nurse with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. She retired from OK DOC in 2012, returning to Dallas and caring for her ailing mother. During the years she resided in Tyler, TX, she was active with the League of Women Voters, Smith County Medical Society Alliance, and the TK Gorman Booster Club.

Hobbies and Interests: drinking Dr. Pepper, drinking Dr. Pepper, aaaand....drinking Dr. Pepper. She also had a thirst for knowledge: reading, engaging in genealogy research for blood and marriage families, vigilantly caring for various cats and dogs over the years, sitting on the uncovered porch enjoying many 100 degree plus Texas afternoons, telling MANY people on the TV how stupid they are, supporting numerous animal charities [PETA, Warrior Dog Foundation, Paws and Stripes, Patriot Paws, The Elephant Sanctuary]. Elephants were a particular passion of hers, having collected many figurines, books, statues, sculptures, and other items over the decades.

Sandy is preceded in death by her husband, Herman Ione May Jr, MD; and brother, Steven Leslie Johnson; and her parents. She is survived by sons, Herman Ione May III; Christopher Anthony May, and wife Jen Owen; Jason Patrick May, and wife Anna (Terry); grandchildren, Rebecca Aileen Ragle, Collin Alexander May, and Declan William Ione May; sister, Joanne Johnson Burnett, and partner, Michael Weichert; brother, Michael Richard Johnson, and wife Catherine (Butler); several nieces, a nephew, and great nieces and nephews.

She had a plaque on the wall in her house that read: "Life's journey is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways totally worn out shouting "Holy Crap...What a Ride!" It was in her bathroom, so perhaps cause to raise an eyebrow. Regardless we hope she had the life she wanted.

She is missed.