Sandra J. Johnson

Sandra Jean Johnson, age 78, passed away peacefully January 30, 2024 at home surrounded by loved ones. She was born November 27, 1945 in Florala, AL to James and Juanita Newell. She grew up in Samson, AL and was a member of the Samson High School class of 1964. After graduation, she lived in Paxton (FL), Troy (AL), Samson (AL) and Lake City (FL).
First and foremost, Sandra was a dedicated mother. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them and their friends. She was "Mom" to many kids in Paxton, FL and beyond. She especially cherished her later role as "Ganma" and loved spending time with her granddaughters.
For all her adult life she focused on taking care of others. She was one of the original "Gray Ladies" (nurse) at Paxton High School, Girl Scout troop leader, Sunday school teacher, classroom mom, PTA Board member, chauffer extraordinaire, backstage hand at recitals (piano, dance, band, etc.) and every other event she could volunteer for. If she saw a need, she tried to fill it.
Once her kids were grown, she went to college and worked in a flower shop where she nurtured her green thumb and discovered her amazing talent for working with flowers. She went on to open her own flower shop, Sandra Jean's Flowers and Things.
Her recent years were the happiest of her life as she found true love and enlarged her family. To love and be loved were what life was all about to her. She will always be remembered for the love and warmth she shared with her family and friends. If you knew her, you couldn't help but love her.
Life threw her a lot of curve balls, but she was tougher than anyone realized, including herself. Cancer did not rob her of who she was. She loved deeply and lived every moment she was given. She was determined and stayed strong throughout her battle with cancer. Through her, we know what resilience and perseverance truly look like. Just because she is no longer here, doesn't mean she lost her fight. Once our angel on earth, she now walks among them in heaven.
Sandra is survived by her daughters and their husbands Sharon Johnson Gaubert (Nolan) and Susan Johnson May (Earl) and three granddaughters Lauren Gaubert, Kristen Gaubert and Abby May Irion (Daniel) and one great-grandson Jack Irion; her brother Terry Newell and special sister-in-law Reba; the love of her life, Ronnie Johnson and his daughters Millissa Johnson Blakley (Michael) and Casandra Johnson Gibson (Jim) and their children and grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents and infant son Billy Joe Johnson.
In typical Sandra fashion, she didn't want any pomp and circumstance. A casual outdoor Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Gateway Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Lake City, FL.
Honorary pallbearers are Michael Blakley, Wesley Blakley, Dalton Blakley, Nolan Gaubert, Earl May and Terry Newell.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Sandra's caring heart by doing something nice and unexpected for someone else, and most importantly, spend some extra time with loved ones. Time spent with loved ones was her greatest treasure.
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