Sandra Jean “Sandy” Swick Johnson, 74, Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at SouthLake Village, surrounded by the love of her family. Sandy was born on December 22, 1951, in Gordon, Nebraska, to Leslie and Norma (Fish) Swick. She was raised in Gordon, where she attended school and graduated from Gordon High School in 1970. On August 23, 1970, she married her high school sweetheart, best friend, and classmate, Darrel Johnson. Together they built a life on the Johnson family farm near Gordon before later moving into town, where they raised their two children, Jason and Abbey.
Sandy and Darrel shared 37 wonderful years of marriage before Darrel’s passing in January 2008. Together they devoted their lives to their family, supporting their children’s many activities and serving as sponsors of the Gordon Church of God youth group for several years. Sandy was active in her community and dedicated many years of service to Saub’s Clothing, First National Bank of Gordon, and Gordon Public Schools, where she finished her career as a school secretary.
Family was the center of Sandy’s world. She had a remarkable gift for making a house feel like home, and no one ever left her table hungry. An incredible cook, she poured her love into every homemade meal she prepared. Whether it was a holiday feast, Sunday dinner, or a simple weekday supper, everyone looked forward to gathering around Sandy’s table. Her kitchen was a place where stories were shared, laughter was plentiful, and everyone was made to feel welcome.
Sandy also had a passion for gardening and landscaping. She had a special talent for transforming ordinary spaces into beautiful gardens filled with color and life. She took great pride in every flower bed, every plant, and every detail. A true perfectionist, she found joy in creating beauty and caring for the things she loved. Friends and family admired not only her green thumb but also the care and dedication she put into everything she did.
She cherished time with her children and grandchildren and treasured every visit with family and friends. Her infectious laugh, quick wit, and warm heart made her the life of every gathering. She loved playing Pitch, never turned down a good card game, and had a way of making everyone around her smile. In 2019, she moved to Lincoln to be closer to her family, where she continued making memories with those she loved most.
Sandy is survived by her son, Jason (Brenda) Johnson of Lincoln, Nebraska; her daughter, Abbey Johnson of Lincoln, Nebraska; her grandchildren, Liliana (Caleb) Franklin of Ames, Iowa, Isabella (Caden) Greenland of Arcadia, Nebraska, and Madelaine Johnson of Lincoln, Nebraska; her sister, Debra Greenfeather of Strong City, Kansas; her brother, Kevin Swick of Aberdeen, South Dakota; many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and her cherished granddog, Dash.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darrel Johnson; her parents, Leslie Swick and Norma Swick Nydahl; her stepfather, Claude Nydahl; her sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Walter Quillian; her mother-in-law, Etta Johnson Alderman; her father-in-law, Arthur Johnson; and her stepfather-in-law, Harold Alderman.
Sandy will be remembered for her unwavering love, generous heart, welcoming home, and selfless spirit. She expressed her love through every meal she prepared, every flower she planted, and every moment she spent caring for those around her. Her kindness, laughter, strength, and devotion to her family will remain an enduring legacy. Though she will be deeply missed, her love will continue to bloom in the hearts of everyone was fortunate enough to know her.
Memorial service will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026 at 10:30 am at Fellowship Community Church, 8451 Eagle Crest Rd, Lincoln, NE. Livestream of the service will be available on Facebook at: facebook.com/FellowshipLincoln Memorials to the family to be determined at a later time.