Visitation:
4:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at the
First United Methodist Church in Lincoln
Service:
10:00am on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at the
church
Funeral home:
Fricke-Calvert-Schrader, Lincoln
Obituary
Sandra Jean Sayre Johnson, 82, of
Lincoln passed away on Friday, February 18, 2022
after complications from a long battle with
diabetes. Sandy went to be with her Lord and Savior
in the comfort of her home with her loving family by
her side.
Sandy was born on September 5, 1939 in Lincoln, IL,
the daughter of John Rae & Ruth Opal (Griffin)
Sayre. She married Melvin “Keith” Johnson on
September 7, 1958 in Lincoln, IL.
Sandy is survived by her husband, Keith; her three
daughters, Diana (Richard) Hightower of Dallas, TX,
Debby (Jeff) Toft of Petersburg, IL, and Marcia
(Tracey) Mibbs of Petersburg, IL; her two
grandchildren, Jacob (Liz) Toft and Jessica (Kacey)
Crum; and two great-grandchildren, Carson and Cooper
Crum. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and
nephews.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents; her
grandparents; her stepfather; and her half-sister,
Ramona Sayre Gebhardt. Sandy was a faithful woman
who loved the Lord, her family, church and
community. After graduating from Brown Business
College in Peoria, Sandy started her first job at
Lincoln Development Center as a Personnel Assistant.
Several years later, Sandy was the 3rd employee
hired at Logan Correctional Center, where she held a
similar position and hired all the employees as the
prison launched. In total, Sandy served over 35
years working for the State of Illinois.
In 2013, Sandy was honored by the
State of Illinois by designating the family farm in
Petersburg as a Centennial Farm. To qualify for
Centennial Farm status, an agricultural property
must have been owned by the same family of lineal
descendants for at least 100 years. Sandy was proud
of this accomplishment. |
Sandy was deeply entrenched in our
local community. She served on the School Board of
West Lincoln Grade School. She attended all her
daughters' events at both West Lincoln, and at
Lincoln Community High School. Sandy loved cheering
on her children and grandchildren at sporting
events. She rarely missed a school event or recital.
Sandy was a long-time member of The First United
Methodist Church in Lincoln. Sandy was also a
50-year member of The Eastern Star Lalla Rookh,
where she was a past Matron. She was a proud member
of the Daughters of The American Revolution, The
American Business Women’s Association and The
Lincoln Women's Club. She held leadership positions
(including President) of each of these organizations
throughout the years. Sandy will be remembered by
her many friends for her hospitality, generosity,
warm and outgoing nature, and deep love for her
family. She also was a skilled cook and enjoyed
traveling, reading and volunteering.
Services for Sandy will be held at 10:00am on
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at The First United
Methodist Church in Lincoln, IL. Visitation will
take place from 4:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, February 22,
2022 also at the church. Burial will follow the
services at New Union Cemetery in Lincoln.
Memorial donations may be made in Sandy’s name to
The First United Methodist Church Building Fund or
the Oasis Senior Center.
Click here to send a note of condolence to the family of Sandra
Jean Sayre Johnson
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