Ms. Jeanette Dunham Sasser Johnson's Obituary
Funeral Service for Ms. Jeanette Dunham Sasser Johnson, 93, of Goodwater, Alabama, will be Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Goodwater Presbyterian Church. Rev. William Ronald McElrath will officiate. Burial will follow in the Smyrna Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at Goodwater Presbyterian Church.
Jeanette Dunham Sasser Johnson, affectionately known as Jeanette to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, at the age of 93 in Alexander City, Alabama. Born on August 30, 1931, in Coosa County, Alabama, Jeanette lived a life marked by love, generosity, and a warm spirit that drew people to her.
Jeanette's early years in Coosa County laid the foundation for a life full of relationships and community involvement. As a dedicated bank teller for two decades, she was a familiar and friendly face to many, offering a kind word and a smile to everyone who walked through the bank's doors. Her work ethic and commitment to her role were matched only by her involvement in her local church, Goodwater Presbyterian Church, where she was a longtime member, contributing to the community and forming lifelong friendships.
Beyond her professional and religious commitments, Jeanette was an avid artist and a masterful seamstress and quilter. Her creative talents were a source of joy not only to her but also to those who were lucky enough to receive one of her beautiful paintings or handcrafted quilts. Jeanette's love for the arts was paralleled by her passion for cooking and baking. Known for her exceptional teacakes and pound cakes, she was always generous with her creations, sharing them with friends, family, and neighbors alike. Her pets held a special place in her heart, and she cared for them with so much love.
Jeanette's love for her family was immense and unwavering. She is survived by her son, Mark Stephen (Kay) Sasser; step-son, James Bruce "Jim" (Jan) Johnson Jr.; grandchildren, Kelli Sasser (Adam) Ellis, Matthew Stephen (Melanie) Sasser, Laura Johnson (John) Ivey, and Daniel Bruce (Amanda) Johnson; and great-grandchildren, Dean Willard Sasser, Madelynn Suzanne Sasser, Jacob Drew Sasser, William McNairy Ellis, James Keller Ellis, John Stephen Ivey II, James Thompson Ivey, and Mary Talmon Johnson. Each of these individuals was touched by Jeanette's loving nature and will carry forward her legacy of kindness and warmth.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her father, Ausie Earnest Dunham; mother, Elo Mae Dunham; first husband, Drew Sasser; second husband, James Bruce Johnson; brothers, Horace Erskine Dunham and Keller Lynn Dunham; and sisters, Hilma Vestal Dunham, Madene Dunham Howard, Ruby Dunham Hawkins, and Opal Dunham Fox. They were an integral part of her life, and their memories remain cherished.
Those who knew Jeanette would describe her as loving, generous, and friendly. She had the unique ability to make each person she encountered feel special and valued. Her presence was a gift to her community, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Chapman Assisted Living for the wonderful love and care that was extended to Jeanette. She loved the staff and residents there and thought of them as her extended family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Goodwater Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 72, Goodwater, Alabama 35072.
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