Euleane Johnson

Euleane Gandy Johnson, was one of eight children born to the late Willie and Georgia Ella Gandy on August 4, 1927 in Georgiana, Alabama. She attended elementary school in Georgiana, Alabama, then moved to Atmore, Alabama where she attended Escambia County High School.  She married the late Madison Johnson Jr. in 1947 and they lived together in Mobile, Alabama. They relocated to St. Louis, with three young daughters in 1950.  They were married 67 years.   Euleane converted to the catholic faith in 1955 at St. Bridget of Erin Church. (Now Saints Teresa and Bridget Church).

While at St. Bridget, she was a daily volunteer and active in numerous church ministries: St. Vincent DePaul, Ladies Auxiliary Group, Garage Resale, Annual Toy Collection & Distribution, & The Knights of Peter Claver.  She also created a “celebrated” Vegetable Garden on the church grounds. She loved playing cards, Gandy Family reunions, and traveling to conventions with her late daughter, Bertha Fondren.

At a very young age, she displayed wisdom beyond her years.  A dedicated housewife, and mother, she was often called “Mama Euleane” by many in the community.  Her great granddaughters called her “GG”.  She remained active in the church until she became homebound.

Euleane was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Bertha Fondren, four sisters; Louise McTear of St. Louis, Marjorie Gandy of Chicago (twin), Dorothy Joiner of St. Louis, Gladys Jones - NY and two brothers; Bobby Gandy (twin), Willie Morris both of NY.

She leaves to cherish her memory:  two daughters;  Patricia Smith Thurman (Solomon) of St. Louis,  Gloria Jean Saunders (Dedan) of Atlanta; One brother; Armour Gandy of Clanton, Al;  four grandchildren; Byrant Fondren (Lejuenetta), Tina Fondren, Tosha Fondren, Danielle Smith (all of St. Louis); son-in-law, Eddie Fondren of St. Louis; Six Great Grandchildren; Kiara Quarells, Toni Quarells, Chloe Quarells, Brittany Lewis, Terri Fondren, Victoria Fondren; a host of nieces, nephews, and those who called her “Aunt Lindy”  and  “Mama Johnson”.