Obituary of Sandra Johnson DeFour

Sandra Johnson DeFour, "Grandy Sandy", from Grosse Pointe, MI, has joined her late husband (Brian DeFour), mother (Betty Jo Stoltman), father (Wayne Johnson), step-father (Clarion Stoltman) and sisters (Roxanne Wilkins & Darlene Pfannes) for coffee around that kitchen table in the afterlife. Sandy was 71 years old. She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by loving family, on Saturday, November 24, 2018. After a tireless year battling a strain lymphoma that not only survived, but thrived following a debilitating stem cell transplant in August, she learned of her fate on November 13. What followed were two weeks of cherished visits by family and friends she deeply affected in ways that became increasingly apparent after each uplifting encounter. She is survived by her son, Ken (Laura) Regalado, daughter Kim (Jay) Regalado Ward, step-daughters Stephanie & Christine DeFour and Michelle Reavely, brother Mike Johnson, sisters Cheryle (Kelly) Daniel, Renee (JC) Timberlake and Teri Lawer, as well as many grand children (including Carter, Lindsay, Ethan, Eliot, Peyton, Lindsay, Austin, Samantha, Cameron and Hunter), nieces / nephews (including Breanne, Brittney, Kam, Kelsey, Claire and Shelby) and friends too numerous to count. She was born in Camden, TN, on June 29, 1947 and relocated to Detroit, MI while very young. She grew up on Detroits "east side" and attended St. Martins Catholic School. In 1964, she married Carl Regalado. They had two children (Ken and Kim) together. In the years that followed, she excelled in the role of mother and family manager. In 1999, she married the man (Brian DeFour) she has lovingly followed into eternity. Following Brians death in 2012, she embraced her job as an adult care giver with the same level of gusto she raised her family, supported her friends & community, upheld her faith and battled the disease that finally won. The latter earned her the nickname "Iron Lady" from her oncologist, Dr. Yakan, and yielded clear friendships with him and his Beaumont staff, as well as Dr. Euberti and his staff at the Karmanos Cancer Institute. All who would like to celebrate Sandys rich and impactful life are invited to attend a memorial service at 10:00 am on Friday, January 18, 2019 at St. Ambrose Church on 15020 Hampton St. In Grosse Pointe Park, MI. --