Sandra Johnson

Although her days here numbered far too few, Sandra Johnson made her mark in the world around her through her kindhearted and generous ways. She could be opinionated and a bit hot under the collar when it came to matters she was passionate about, yet her heart was always in the right place. Sandy was a kindred spirit who wasn’t afraid to do things her own way, and her strength and courage when engaged in the fight for her life were truly inspiring. It was easy to see that there was no greater gift in her life than being a mother, and she cherished her son more than anything in this world. Hardworking, intelligent, and genuine, Sandy will be deeply missed while the memories she leaves behind are forever treasured by all who were blessed to know and love her.

The 1960s were a time of exciting change in America. The decade began with the election of John F. Kennedy as the 35th President of the United States during which time Martin Luther King, Jr. was the voice of the civil rights movement. We mourned the loss of these two great men not long after their rise to the top, and in the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union it was America that was victorious when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon in 1969. It was during this colorful time that a young couple from Owosso, Michigan, was delighted to welcome a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on November 11, 1966. Sandra Marie was the only child born to her parents, Clyde and Gale (Honeycutt) Johnson. She and her father were given a tough pill to swallow with the death of her mother as a result of a car accident when Sandy was only three years old. From that point on Sandy was raised by her grandmother, Emily.

Even as a young girl Sandy had a vibrant personality. She was very outgoing and talkative, which meant that she made friends with ease. Sandy loved horses - so much so that she had her own horse named “Runaway.” She attended local schools including Ovid-Elsie High School where she played the clarinet in the band. Sandy excelled in her studies and enjoyed school, although the social aspect of school was her favorite part!

As a young woman Sandy was ready to embark on all that life had in store for her. She was again given a difficult road to travel when her father died as a victim of a car accident when she was 21. As someone who was free spirited, Sandy moved to California where she worked as a nanny for three children for five years. It was an enjoyable time in her life, and the family she worked for loved her dearly.

Life came full circle for Sandy when she became a mother to her son, Zachary. From the moment he was born he was the love of her life. Sandy was a doting mother who loved to spoil her son, and they were always very close. She was affectionate and expressive when it came to Zachary, and in everything she did she put him first and foremost. One of Sandy’s favorite things to do was to have unique and fun-filled birthday parties for him that will forever be priceless memories held close to his heart. To support herself and her son she worked as a medical technician.

Things drastically changed for Sandy and her loved ones when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. She fought very hard to overcome the disease, but victory was not to be. It was surrounded by her loving family that Sandy drew her last breath.

Through the life of Sandra Johnson we are reminded that happiness is not found in what we have, rather, it is in the love we share with those around us that we are richly blessed. She liked things done her way or no way at all, but her strong will was equally balanced with her fantastic sense of humor. Sandy’s son was the light of her life, and there was nothing she loved more than being surrounded by her family and friends. Life will never be the same without her here, but the hearts of everyone she met will be forever changed because of her touch.

Sandra Marie Johnson, of Lansing, MI, died Saturday, September 27, 2014. Sandy’s family includes her son, Zachary Johnson of Lansing; aunts, Peggy J. Johnson and Lynn Hansen; uncle, Howard Honeycutt; cousins, Connie (Gary) Kioski, Allen Johnson, Scott (Madalyn) Kioski, Christopher Kioski, Kelsey (Matt) Holmes; and special sister, Denise Kirchen. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents and grandmothers, Emily Johnson and Lucille Atkins. Funeral Services will be held 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, 232 E. Oak St., Ovid, MI 48866. Burial will be at Middlebury Cemetery at a later date. The family will receive friends from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3315 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48910, or to the family to help defray funeral expenses. To learn more about Sandy and view her Life Story film, visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/102281. The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.