Sandra (Sandy) Pauline Johnston Folts

Sandra Pauline Johnston was born to Julius G. and Pauline Daniels Johnston, being the third of five generations to be born in Victoria, Texas. After her mother's early death, her father married Edith Tanner Johnston and Sandy welcomed a sister, Jeanne Cameron Carr.

Sandy graduated from Roy Miller High School in 1960 in Corpus Christi, Texas. She developed a love for early childhood education at George Peabody College for Teachers, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in 1964. She then received her Kindergarten certification from Texas State University. Sandy enjoyed teaching in Arlington, Virginia, and in Hebbronville, San Marcos, and Brownsville, Texas. Her love of children grew wherever she lived; she taught in the classroom and also through volunteer tutoring, story times, and Sunday School. Sandy’s husband Jim often says that she could teach a fence post how to read. Many of Sandy’s students remained in contact for years and kept her spirits high with great memories of their time together.

After meeting as summer camp counselors at Camp Capers, Sandy married James E. Folts, the now retired Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, on June 21, 1964. Together, they began a journey of deep companionship and mutual service and were blessed to have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. Sandy is survived by her husband and their two children: Jeanne Folts Leo of Cincinnati, OH (Jason), Jonathan Folts of Pierre, SD (Kimberly), and by her sister, Jeanne Carr. Sandy delighted in being a grandmother to Bailey Grace Leo, Benjamin James Leo, Jesse Alexander Leo, Cameron Spire Folts, Garrett Tyler Folts, and Chloe Tamta Folts. Her family will remember their “Nonny” forever, particularly for her wholehearted laugh and her sincere joy in their interests, and as a gracious victor in hundreds, if not thousands, of card games.

It is not often that the world is blessed by a woman who loves all people, young and old, with the heart of a kindergarten teacher, nor is it often that the world hears the voice of a woman who believes people should use kind words, respect one another, and say, “I’m sorry” when they hurt someone’s feelings. She invites us all to recall the lessons from our childhood, valuable lessons that our current world is forgetting at such a fast rate. Such was Sandy’s voice. Such was Sandy’s love. Such was the life of a woman who will be deeply missed and, simultaneously, deeply remembered with profound love and admiration.

Sandy's impact was felt profoundly throughout the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. As the Bishop's wife, she traveled over half a million miles with her husband, often reading books to him in the car and caring for their beloved Yorkie companion, “Puddin’.” She was a pillar of support to clergy spouses, children, and clergy widows. Her ability to befriend hundreds of people throughout their travels remains a hallmark of her loving nature. As Jim says, “People may have respected me. But they loved Sandy.” Sandy's life is a testament to her love of her husband and her family, her Christian faith, and a heartfelt kindness that touched all who knew her.

Sandy’s funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 20, 2024. The location of her service will be St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 315 East Pecan Street, in San Antonio. A private inurnment will take place in Bishop Jones Center of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. If you are unable to attend Sandy’s funeral service, please click here to view the live stream.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Clergy Children Scholarship Fund with the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas (P.O. Box 6885, San Antonio, TX 78209) and to Thunderhead Episcopal Center (Camp) in the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota (408 North Jefferson Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501).

Memorial gifts may be given to the Clergy Children Scholarship Fund with the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas (P.O. Box 6885, San Antonio, Texas 78209) and to Thunderhead Episcopal Center (Camp) in the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota (408 North Jefferson Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501).