- Date Of Birth: July 31, 1972
- Date Of Death: August 24, 2013
- State: California
Ms. Johnson peacefully passed away at a Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She is daughter to John & Barbara Sandle.
Michelle Denise Johnson, affectionately known as “Michi”, was born on July 31, 1972 in Berkley, CA, to Barbara Jean Moore and the late Rochelle Johnson. Michi’s mother later married Johnny L. Sandle of the United States Navy. Shortly afterwards, the family accompanied Johnny during his tour in Honolulu, Hawaii, where Michi attended Lehua Elementary in Pearl City, Hawaii.
In the latter part of 1978, Michi and her family moved to San Diego, CA. She attended Ranch Elementary, Doris Miller Elementary, De Portal Middle School and received her high school diploma from St. Stephens Christian School, where the late Dr. Jean C. McKinney served as Principal. Michi continued her education at Kelsey-Jenney College, earning her Associate Degree in Medical Administration. She was very proud of making the Dean’s list with a 3.7 GPA.
Michi, who loved working in the medical field, was blessed beyond measures with her dream job at UCSD Medical Center working in the labor and delivery unit. She was forced into early retirement after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
On December 31, 2010, Michi had her first heart transplant. Months later, she underwent her second open heart surgery to implant an artificial heart, making her the first African-American woman with the Freedom Driver Artificial Heart. Michi was thankful for the quality of life she received with her artificial heart which allowed her to live outside of the hospital.
Her favorite saying was “We see us in the future and we look much better than we do right now”. She was a beautiful spirit inside and out. She loved looking pretty, walking, watching movies, cooking new recipes and dining out. She adored her three beautiful children, Keanna, Dachelle and Jason. She gave them her greatest gift, unconditional love. Throughout her illness, Michi remained resilient and never gave up; for she fought a good tremendous fight, finished her course and kept the faith.
She was preceded in death by her father; her brother, Christopher Sandle and her grandparents.
On August 24, 2013, while undergoing her third open heart surgery to receive a new heart, God dispatched an angel to carry her to her eternal home. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, a beloved daughter, Keanna; two loving sons, Dachelle and Baby Jason; devoted mother and father, Elder Johnny L. and Barbara Sandle; three brothers, Mark Dobie (Felicia), Jonathan Sandle (Larni) and Johnny Sandle Jr.; two sisters, Tammy Williams (Kenny) and Breanna Sandle-Reed ( DeMarcus Sr.); a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends who will mourn her passing, yet celebrate her life.
