Sandra Jean Sayre Johnson Obituary (1939

LINCOLN- 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.