Saundra Norene Johnson

Saundra Norene Johnson came to this earth on August 14, 1942. She was the daughter of Orvil Monroe Casey and Amey Syrilda McCabe Casey. She went to her heavenly home on March 21, 2023, at 80 years of age. She passed peacefully with family by her side. Saundra grew up in Shawnee, Oklahoma with her mother and father and two sisters, Beth and Sue.

In high school she worked various jobs including working with her mother behind the lunch counter at Woolsworth. One day she got her mom and took her out on Main Street and said “see that man over there that is the man I am going to marry.” She graduated Shawnee High School in May of 1960. In June of 1960 she married that man. His name is Donald Ray Johnson. They have been together almost 63 years. She was lovingly known as “Ma Saundra”.

Saundra had many talents. Her biggest talent was spoiling Don. She really took care of him. Don says she is the best wife any man could ever ask for; he loved her very much. She was a great cook. If you have ever had her fried chicken, you would know what I mean. Her chicken fried steak came in a close second. She made the best cornbread ever. If you went to Don and Saundra’s house you would get fed and you would eat well. She was also famous for what we called her “dude” stew. It was a one pot dinner with hamburger meat, bacon and beans.

Saundra loved to sew. She could mend anything but a broken heart and if we let her, she would have tried to do that. She sewed up everyone’s torn jeans and shirts, and patched Don’s favorite jackets and his overalls. Everyone could not wait to see if she was going to make them a quilt. Her handmade quilts were special.

She went to beauty school to be a beautician with 2 young children at home. She would cut everyone’s hair. She had several regular customers that came to her shop at her house. She attend several class at Vo Tech over the years learning cake decorating, small engine repair , electrical work, welding, and tree grafting. She watched the vet work on the farm animals. She asked questions and soon learned how to give shots and band calves. Saundra retired after 11yrs as the custodian at North Rock Creek School She could do anything. A jack of all trades, master of none, but so much better than a master of one.

She loved the fourth of July. She hosted a family reunion every year on the fourth since the mid 70s. Everyone always wanted to go to Aunt Sandy and Uncle Donnie’s house. No one knows how she had time to enjoy it. She was always busy making sure everyone was having a good time and that everyone had what they needed. She was always taking care of everybody. It did not matter if you were family or friend, she was there to serve you. She was one of the most caring and loving person there ever was.

The only thing Saundra liked better than Don was her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She still was watching some of them daily until she went to the hospital. She always said bring them over, I will watch them. Even in her last days, she told us to take care of the babies. She will be missed. And will always be loved.

Saundra is survived by her husband of almost 63 years, Donald Ray Johnson of the home. Her older sister, Beth Vogt of Oklahoma City and her husband Jim Vogt. Her younger sister Sue Johnson of Macomb and her husband Joe Johnson. Oldest son Faron Johnson and his wife Melanie of Perry, Oklahoma. Oldest daughter Norenia Jones and her husband Paul Jones of Shawnee. Youngest daughter Lorenia Johnson of Shawnee. Youngest son Ferlin Johnson and his wife Hollie Johnson of Shawnee.

Ma Saundra has twenty grandchildren , Casey Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Shannon Rios, Francisco Rios, Brad Unruh, Kayla Unruh, Jeremy Unruh, Corrie Unruh, Kyle Jones, Ashley Jones, Mark Jones, Allison Jones, Angel Jones, Katie Jones, Meagan Jones, Mary Jones, Cassandra Johnson, Savanah Johnson, Chevy Johnson, and Avery Johnson.

Ma Saundra had thirteen great grandchildren and one on the way, Skylar Johnson, Mikayla Johnson, Azlend Johnson, Carson Rios, Kennedy Unruh, Parker Unruh, Kaydence Unruh, Tristan Unruh, Kane Jones, Brookelynn Jones, Melora Jones, Celestine Jones, Raylin Johnson, and Baby Johnson on the way.

A visitation for Saundra will be held Friday, March 24, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home, 44909 Highway 3, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801. A funeral service will occur Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Sharon Baptist Church, 19002 S Gordon Cooper Dr, Shawnee, Oklahoma 74801.

Fond memories can be left below for the Johnson Family.