Barbara Kay Sanderlin-Johnson was born Barbara Kay Jones on 7-28-35 to William and Aleetha Jones of Holdenville, OK. She was the 8th of 9 children, 5 boys and 4 girls. She always went her middle name of Kay. She graduated from Holdenville High School where she was a member of a singing group. She grew up in the First Baptist Church. She attended one semester of Eastern Oklahoma College before a young man convinced her to marry him. His name was Jim Sanderlin. They married on New Year’s Eve in 1953. They eventually moved to McAlester,OK. They owned their own business there, the downtown Ben Franklin store. They worked hard and enjoyed working together. They raised two daughters, Sharon Kay and Brenda Elaine. Kay was involved in her daughter’s lives. She was homeroom mother for both daughters at various times and was PTA president one year. Kay loved to cook and bake great birthday cakes.
Kay and Jim moved to OKC after their daughters left the home for college. Kay had a successful career as a bank teller at Union Bank. She loved her customers and co-workers and they loved her. Jim passed away in 1983. Kay later married John Johnson in 1991. They enjoyed retired life together, and were very proud of their well manicured lawns and flower beds. John passed away in 2009.
Kay stayed close to her daughters after the daughters were grown. During the 70’s, the girls took their mom to a Bee Gees concert and a Kenny Rogers concert. She had as much fun as the girls!
In 1989, Kay became a grandmother. Her grand-daughter Kelsey was born to daughter Brenda and her husband Terry. Kelsey was Kay’s joy and she loved spoiling her.
In 1994, Kay lost her youngest daughter Brenda to cancer. It was a difficult time for Kay and she leaned heavily on her faith and loved on her grand-daughter to help her thought it.
Kay is preceded in death by her parents, 7 brothers and sisters, two husbands, and her precious daughter Brenda.
Kay is survived by daughter and son-in-law Sharon and Kevin Gregory of Edmond, son-in-law Terry Polovina and grand-daughter Kelsey Polovina of Houston, TX, her brother Bob Jones of Kansas City, MO, numerous nieces and nephews as well as close friends. In recent years, Kay became a “Great Grammy” to Leo and Claire. It brightened her day when they came to her door to say hello and show her their newest toy or book.
The family would like to to say a special thank you to Dr. Karen Ross and Mercy Hospice, who all took loving care of Kay as her health declined. Kay passed away at Spanish Cove Health Center in Yukon, OK. Spanish Cove was also a true blessing to Kay and her family during a difficult time.
Kay is now at peace and no longer suffering. Kay will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery beside Jim and her daughter Brenda. What a sweet reunion they must have had! Kay will celebrate her 85th birthday in Heaven on 7-28-2020.
Leave a Condolence