Sandra Johnson Fossick

Sandra Johnson Fossick, 79, passed away peacefully in Nashville, TN, on October 28, 2023.  Sandra was born August 14, 1944, in Lexington, KY, the daughter of the late Margaret Tully Norwood Johnson and R.D. Johnson.  She graduated from Lafayette High School, Lexington, and received her B.A. degree from the University of Kentucky where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.  After graduation Sandra was a flight attendant with American Airlines, living in New York City and Los Angeles before being based in Nashville. She soon met and married Ira E. Parker, Jr., and together they experienced the joy of family life with their son, Matthew Brogan Parker, until Ira’s passing in 1979.

 In 1981, Sandra married Dr. Ray Fossick and together they blended their families. First and foremost were the children - Matthew, Tommy Fossick and Lance Fossick but also their parents, siblings, in-laws and a host of friends from many places and varying walks of life. Sandra was a master at bringing together people and family, as evidenced by Christmas gatherings, Easter egg hunts, beach vacations, tailgates, baseball trips (not her favorite), golf outings, making preserves. She also had an incredible way of taming even the most difficult of their many adorable Scotties.

Beyond family, Sandra was a gift to the community using her time and talents. She served  as President of the Harding Academy Auxiliary and as Chair of the Arts Festival, played handbells at both Westminster Presbyterian and West End United Methodist churches, and served as Grand Jury Foreman for Davidson County, With her loved friend, Shayron Lockyear, she engaged in multiple outreach projects including volunteering at General Hospital and, through the Red Cross, conducting hearing and sight testing for public school children as well as testing children for kindergarten pre entrance.  On the lighter side, they engaged in other pursuits that included pottery making and - ballet!  

Some twenty years ago knitting became a serious passion for Sandra. She played a major role in launching the Haus of Yarn and taught beginning knitting throughout those years. A lot of people in Nashville and beyond are excellent knitters because of her. 

Most everything Sandra did, she did well. Even confronting death, she was characteristically brave, in charge and at peace. She was a remarkable woman who brought joy to many. Her memory always will.

She is survived by her son Matthew Parker, stepsons Tommie (Ashley) Fossick and Lance (Shellie) Fossick, three grandchildren, Katie, Tyler, Madeline, sister Pamela Johnson Walker of Lexington, KY, brother-in-law Stan Fossick (Carol) and a host of dear and loving friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Nashville Humane Association, 213 Osceola Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209, and Wounded Warriors, 223 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Suite 301. Nashville, Tennessee 37203. Visitation for family and friends will be held on November 11, 2023, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at West Harpeth Funeral Home, 6962 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209, followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m.