Sammie Lee Johnson

Sammie Lee Johnson, a woman whose warmth, faith, laughter, and love touched countless lives, departed this earthly life on May 19, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 77.

Sammie was born on March 17, 1949, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Simon Gooden Sr. and Virginia Gooden. From an early age, she carried within her a gentle spirit and a joyful heart that would become the foundation of the life she so beautifully lived. She was raised in Ardmore and graduated from Douglas High School, where her bright personality and caring nature were already evident to those around her.

Determined to dedicate her life to helping others, Sammie furthered her education at St. Louis University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Nursing was more than a profession to Sammie—it was a calling. For forty years, she faithfully cared for others with compassion, patience, and dignity. Whether comforting a patient during difficult moments or simply offering a reassuring smile, Sammie made people feel seen, valued, and cared for. Her nurturing spirit left a lasting impression on countless individuals and families throughout her career before her retirement in 1998.

During her younger years, Sammie married James McGee Sr., and together they were blessed with two beloved sons, Keith and little James. Though their paths in life later changed, they continued to share the enduring bond of family and the love they held for their children. Sammie would later find love again and marry JW Johnson Sr. Together they spent time living in Little Rock before eventually making Tulsa their home in 1994. Their life together was filled with faith, family, and cherished memories until his passing.

Above all else, Sammie was a woman deeply rooted in her Christian faith. She grew up worshipping at East Main Street Church of Christ in Ardmore, where she built the spiritual foundation that guided her throughout her life. After moving to Tulsa, she became a faithful member of Garnett Church of Christ and remained devoted there until the church’s closing. In later years, she continued her walk of faith as a dedicated member of Crosstown Church of Christ. Her faith was not simply something she spoke about—it was something she lived daily through kindness, generosity, humility, and love toward others.

To know Sammie was to know joy. She possessed a radiant smile and an uplifting spirit that could brighten even the darkest day. Even when she herself was not feeling well, she still made others feel important, welcomed, and loved. She had a gift for laughter and was known among family and friends for her wonderful sense of humor and playful personality. Sammie loved making people laugh and carried a lighthearted spirit that brought comfort and happiness wherever she went.

She was also incredibly talented and creative. Sammie found joy in crafting and could often be found making beautiful macramé creations, sewing clothes, creating dolls, or tending to her garden. She was truly a multitalented woman whose hands and heart were always busy creating something meaningful for someone she loved. She enjoyed traveling and making memories with family and friends, and many nieces and nephews fondly remember the special Easter baskets she lovingly made for them year after year. Sammie was a giver in every sense of the word. She treated every child with tenderness and care, loving them as if they were her very own.

Sammie leaves behind a family who will forever treasure the many beautiful memories she created throughout her life. She is lovingly survived by her sons, Keith McGee and little James McGee and wife Andrea; her stepchildren, Jacqueliene Jones, JW Johnson Jr., Bertram Johnson, and Alicia Johnson; her cherished grandchildren, Bianca, Anthony, Christopher, Justin, Davion, and Devin; her first husband, James McGee Sr.; her sister, Loretha Patterson; her sister-in-law, Myrla Gooden and son William Nelson; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who were all blessed by her love and presence.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, JW Johnson Sr.; her parents, Simon Gooden Sr. and Virginia Gooden; and her siblings, Hulean Hoskins, Joyce Allen, Helen Washington, and Simon Gooden Jr.

Sammie’s life was one of service, faith, compassion, and joy. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to live on through every life she touched. Though her family’s hearts are heavy with sorrow, they find comfort in the countless memories she gave them, the lessons she taught through her example, and the unwavering love she shared so freely. Her beautiful spirit, infectious laughter, and loving heart will never be forgotten.