Sandra Johnson was born Dec. 21, 1938 in Chicago. She was the sixth child of seven born to Gunzie and Doris Nelms. Her siblings’ four brothers who preceded her in death were Clarence, William, Gunzie Jr. and Hilliard, and two sisters, Geraldine Lucas and Shirley Williams.
Ms. Johnson graduated from Christian Fenger High School. Later she was the mother of Stephanie a daughter who preceded her in death.
On June 15, 1962, she was united in holy matrimony to Philander Johnson and to this union Lisa, David, and Marc were born.
After many years of being a stay-at-home mom, she returned to school and received an Associate of Arts degree from Malcolm X. College. Later, she found work as a Clerk III for the Chicago Public Library. One of her first assignments was at the Chinatown Library on the circulation desk, then at Harold Washington Library as the 10th floor receptionist, and lastly at Legler Library as an assistant tutor in the Adult Literacy & GED Department. After retirement in 1999, she tutored independently helping adults and young grammar school students.
In retirement, she started publishing a newsletter titled Neighborhood News for her Austin community and Seniors on the Move for a club at Lafollette Park. In addition to publishing the two newsletters, she was a regular columnist for the Austin Weekly News.
Ms. Johnson cherished and loved her children with all her heart. She loved writing, swimming, listening to jazz, and taking care of her family.
Sandra Johnson will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, understanding and an open ear for anyone. She passed away from a brief illness at MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
