Sandra Sidney (Shields) Johnson, beloved mother, nana, sister, aunt and friend, left this earthly realm on November 25, 2022 at age 89.
Sandra was born to Joseph and Fern Shields on May 15, 1933 in Appleton, Wisconsin. At the age of 5, her family moved to Royal Oak, Michigan, where she lived throughout her childhood, young adulthood and early marriage. During her childhood she discovered that music was one of her truly great loves, especially singing. She also played the piano.
Sandra met her husband, Jerry Johnson at the age of 16, being introduced to him by Jerry’s older brother who had dated Sandra’s older sister JoAnn. Bob felt that Sandra, being petite, and with a voice “like an angel” would be a great match for his shorter, younger brother. Well he was right! They dated for four years and became engaged when Sandra was 20. While engaged, Jerry served in Korea as a first lieutenant in the army after the war. As soon as his commitment was fulfilled, Sandra and Jerry were married on August 20, 1955, and went on to have three children, Jeff, Lisa and Stephanie.
Sandra studied vocal performance at Wayne State University in Detroit, under the tutelage of Avery Crew, whom she credited with developing her soprano voice to its full potential. She also attended Michigan State University for one year to be with her sister and Jerry who were both students there. During this year, she became a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and was the “Sweetheart of Delta Chi” (Jerry’s fraternity). After becoming engaged, Sandra’s father encouraged her to change her major to Elementary Education, believing that it would be a much more practical degree for a young wife and mother. Sandra agreed and graduated in 1955 from Wayne State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and a minor in French (another interest of hers). After marrying Jerry, Sandra taught second grade for three years. Soon after the birth of her first child, Jeff, she decided to stay at home and be a full time mother and homemaker.
Sandra had not forsaken her love of singing, however. In her young married life she continued to take voice lessons and sing in the Chancel Choir of her church, Redeemer Lutheran, in Birmingham, Michigan. She was the soprano soloist. She also was a soloist for countless weddings of family members and friends, including the weddings of her three children.
After receiving the Lord, and coming into a personal relationship with Him at age 36, Sandra discovered another passion, perhaps even stronger than that of singing. That passion was studying the Word of God. Not only studying, but sharing what she had learned with other women. So changed and blessed was she in her new life in Christ that she couldn’t keep it to herself. During the 70s and 80s in both Michigan and after moving to Mansfield, Ohio, Sandra led countless women’s Bible studies in her neighborhood and among her friends. At one time she led three separate Bible studies each week. She was also a regular speaker and singer at many Christian Women’s Club meetings, sharing her testimony to groups of women and sharing her gift of song. She also served as Chairman of the Mansfield chapter of CWC for a time.
In 1989, Jerry retired and he and Sandra moved to Wellington, Florida, to be near their children Jeff and Lisa, and their first grandchild, Sarah (Jeff’s first daughter). This was a new chapter in their lives, but Sandra continued to pursue musical and spiritual endeavors. She became a member of the Masterworks Chorus in West Palm Beach as well as a member of the Palm Beach Opera Chorus where she served for thirteen years. She was privileged to be a part of all the major operas and enjoyed it with all of her heart! She also decided to share her knowledge of singing with young people and started teaching voice lessons. She inspired many young people to develop their voices to their full potential. She continued leading Bible studies and attended Grace Gospel Church where her walk with the Lord continued to deepen. Her morning hour long walks not only kept her in great shape, but kept her connected with her neighbors. She often was seen taking a meal, baking muffins or passing out poinsettias at Christmas time to all her neighbors (a tradition she continued when she moved back to Ohio). She loved chatting and getting to know them all! Another joy during these years was going on cruises with Jerry, and her sister JoAnn and her husband, Walt. This foursome explored the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and other destinations, making memories all along the way, and enjoying each other’s company.
Sandra’s grandchildren became an integral part of her life in Florida. After Sarah, ten more were born, and as she had loved her own children, she loved her grandchildren dearly! They loved their Nana just as much. Stephanie still lived in Ohio, but Sandra and Jerry would travel there every summer for extended visits. Precious memories were made during these times. Sandra and Jerry were “hands-on” grandparents and greatly impacted the lives of each of their grandchildren. Nana even put on a little musical (Winnie the Pooh) with her grandchildren playing all the parts and singing, a memory they will always cherish.
In 2017, after being widowed for three years, Sandra moved back to Ohio. This time, it was to Bowling Green, to be near Stephanie. She lived at Heritage Corner for the last 4 years, enjoying friendships and many fun activities there. Thursdays were the highlight of the week when her “dear Karen” as she called her, led a Bible Study and later in the day she enjoyed a glass of wine at social hour! Sandra could always be seen, walking around the building, greeting other residents along the way. They all loved to hear her sing and she was often asked to share a song when the residents gathered. Stephanie faithfully and lovingly cared for her for five years and Sandra loved and appreciated each moment..
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Fern, her husband Jerry, and her brothers Joe and Jim. She is survived by her sister, JoAnn, her three children, Jeff (Rebekah), Lisa (David Skinner) and Stephanie (Eric Rine), eleven grandchildren, Sarah, Jordan, Faith, Matthew, Joshua, Abigail, Madeline, Avalon, Rachel, Hannah, and Eric Jr., one great granddaughter, Elliott, and many nieces and nephews.
We are thankful for the loving care she received from the staff at Heritage Corner for the past 4 years, as well as Bridge Hospice and Wood Haven Nursing Home in her last few weeks. When you give love, you find that it is returned to you in great measure. Sandra loved well and was well loved.
Sandra was a bright light in the lives of so many. She will be missed greatly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ohio Sled Hockey, Inc. (for the NWO Arctic Wolves) PO Box 228 Cygnet, OH 43413.
A Celebration of Sandra’s Life will take place at a later date to be determined.
