Sandra Leigh Johnson Catron

Pffaftown, NC - Sandra Leigh Johnson Catron, born on May 30, 1960, in Abingdon, Virginia, passed away on March 24, 2026, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She was a distinguished individual whose life was marked by professional dedication, creative talents, and deep devotion to her family and community.

Sandra’s educational journey began at Abingdon High School and extended to the University of Tennessee, where she not only pursued her academic interests but also enriched campus life as a member of the University of Tennessee band. Her passion for music was a lifelong pursuit, notably expressed through her skilled performance of mountain heritage music on the Appalachian Dulcimer.

Her professional career was significant and impactful at Oak Ridge Associate University where she managed the nuclear waste program and contributed her talents and expertise, embodying a commitment to scientific advancement and innovation.

Beyond her professional and musical achievements, Sandra was profoundly engaged with genealogy, dedicating herself to the study and preservation of Johnson family histories and their participation in the broader community. Her fascination with origins and heritage was a testament to her respect for the past and its influence on present identities.

A lover of animals, Sandra was a devoted caretaker of golden retrievers and several rescued feral cats. Her compassion ensured these animals received excellent medical care, nourishment, and affection, reflecting her nurturing spirit and kindness. Sandra's artistic flair found a unique outlet as the owner and chief artist of Smokey Mountain Art Tile in Gatlinburg. Her creation of custom-made tiles highlighted her creativity and connection to her region’s cultural expressions.

Sandra Leigh Johnson Catron's life will be honored and remembered at a visitation followed by a memorial service on April 1, 2026. Both events will be held at Farris Cremation & Funeral Center – Forest Hills Chapel, located at 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210. The visitation is scheduled from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with the memorial service commencing immediately thereafter at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Bill Bryan officiating. A private interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.

She leaves behind a loving circle of family and friends, including her husband, John Catron; her brother, Fred P. "Rusty" Johnson, and his wife Sharon; her special aunt, Irene Johnson Meade; her niece, Kara Johnson; her nephew, Nathan Johnson; and her step-daughter, Rachel Catron-Felts.

Additionally, Sandra’s life touched numerous cousins and friends, all of whom will carry forward her memory with great affection. Sandra was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Fred and Peggy Johnson, whose legacy she honored throughout her life.

Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bristol Humane Society, 16222 Lee Highway, Bristol, VA 24202, in Mrs. Johnson's name.

The family of Sandra Leigh Johnson Catron is being cared for by Farris Cremation & Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.