News Summary
Sandra L. Johnson Witt, a well-respected educator and genealogy enthusiast, passed away at 78. Her dedication to education and family history profoundly impacted her community, highlighting her remarkable career in psychology and education.
Gainesville, Florida – Sandra L. Johnson Witt, an esteemed educator and genealogy enthusiast, passed away at the age of 78 on June 11, 2025. Her contributions to education and her passion for tracing family histories have left a lasting impact on her community and family.
Born in Sanford, Florida, in July 1946, Sandra’s family relocated to Gainesville when she was just 18 months old. Her father, Elmer Johnson, graduated from the University of Florida in 1953. Sandra excelled academically, graduating near the top of her class from Hialeah High School before attending the University of Florida, where she majored in German with minors in French and Political Science. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, graduating summa cum laude in 1968. She later completed a master’s degree in German in 1969.
Following her education, Sandra spent two years living in New York City, where she worked as an international hostess and inflight instructor for Trans World Airlines (TWA). Her role allowed her to travel around the world and meet numerous celebrities, including the Rolling Stones and Faye Dunaway.
In 1971, Sandra married William Morris Witt while they were both studying at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She earned a second master’s degree in developmental psychology in 1973. Following their academic careers, the couple relocated to Inverness, Florida, returning to Gainesville in 1974, where Sandra enrolled in a doctoral program in Developmental Psychology at the University of Florida, completing her degree in June 1978.
After her graduation, Sandra took on multiple roles in the field of psychology, including serving as an adjunct assistant professor of psychology. Her published work, which focused on birth order and aging, garnered recognition, with offers from prestigious universities. She worked as the District Psychologist for Developmental Services within the State of Florida’s Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. Later, she became the Assistant Director of Testing and Evaluation at the University of Florida’s Office of Instructional Resources and subsequently assumed the role of Director of Undergraduate Admissions and Coordinator of Student Services in the College of Education.
Throughout her career, Sandra maintained a part-time work schedule to balance her family life. After her retirement, she managed and served as the chief financial officer for WMW Holdings, LLC and Witt Family Rentals, LLC.
Sandra was not just an educator; she was also a passionate genealogy enthusiast, authoring and publishing numerous family genealogies alongside academic research articles. She remained closely connected to her German relatives, the Schütt family, visiting them regularly until 2019. Her genuine love of family history served to strengthen the bonds within her own family.
Surviving Sandra are her husband, William Witt; daughter Amanda Witt (Melissa Ahrendt) of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter Katherine Witt Crevasse (Brian) of Windemere, Florida; and six grandchildren who will cherish her memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, reflecting her enduring commitment to aiding others. A graveside celebration of her life is scheduled for June 20, 2025, at 10:00 am at Old Providence Cemetery in Lake Butler, Florida. Arrangements have been made through V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services and Archie Tanner Memorial Chapel in Starke.
The obituary for Sandra L. Johnson Witt was published online on June 13, 2025, and will be featured in the Gainesville Sun.
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- Gainesville Sun Obituaries
- Wikipedia: Genealogy
- Legacy.com Obituaries
- Google Search: Genealogy Research
- Tribute Archive Obituaries
- Google Scholar: Developmental Psychology
- Dignity Memorial Obituaries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Psychology
- Star Ledger Obituaries
- Google News: Obituaries
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