Saundra DeAnné Johnson Wire was born October 13, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois and departed this world on January 21, 2026 after her long and brave struggle with chronic congestive heart failure and kidney failure. She was preceded in death by her biological mother Alfriel Hendrickson, her adopted parents Mary and James Wire, and her maternal grandparents Allen and Katie Johnson. She is survived by maternal aunt and family matriarch Twila Williams Hatcher, brother Anthony Johnson, sister Shirley Durr, sister-friend Becca Olsen, and a plethora of family and friends.

Saundra was a graduate of Hyde Park High School and briefly attended the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. With a passion for healthcare since childhood, Saundra returned to Chicago where she first earned an Emergency Medical Technician (Ambulance) certificate plus an Associates of Arts with Honors in Liberal Arts and Science degree from Harold Washington Community College.

While Saundra was working as an administrative assistant at the University of Chicago, she began her journey as an activist as a member of the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, an international, grassroots political group with the goal of ending the AIDS pandemic; as a Case Manager and Community Treatment Advocate at Chicago Women’s AIDS Project; as a Treatment Education and Adherence Services Coordinator at Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) in New York City; and as an instructor and curriculum writer at the Black AIDS Institute’s African American HIV University where she trained and mentored African-American and African health educators.

You can read more about her activism in Chicago in the article “PASSAGES Saundra Johnson” published by Windy City Times.

After Saundra was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and could no longer do work as a health educator with energy and ease, she relocated to Minneapolis where, despite her declining health, she continued to be active and pursue her passions. She worked part-time as a bookseller while also serving as the Health and Wellness Coordinator at Aliveness Project in South Minneapolis.

Saundra also volunteered to support Epworth United Methodist Church’s missions. She accompanied Judy Nelson, Epworth’s representative, to meetings of Minnesota Reconciling Congregations; helped deliver for South Minneapolis Meals on Wheels; and served as a group leader for children at Vacation Bible School, still pursuing her passion for justice and equity while serving as a role model and mentor.

In the last years of her life, although she could no longer join in demonstrations, Saundra advised other activists in the Twin Cities during the uprising following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. More recently, while hospitalized and in hospice, she continued offering her activism wisdom to friends and family in the Twin Cities who are choosing to honor Saundra’s legacy by observing and protesting the activities of ICE. “Protesting is dead serious,” Saundra said a few days before her death, “but it also can be fun and empowering to stand up for what you believe in.” Although Saundra no longer walks this earth, she is still on the journey.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, 11: 00 

Epworth United Methodist Church located at 3207 37th Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55406 Epworth United Methodist Church

Why: to come together in celebrating Saundra’s life

to show support for all who are left in grief

to  share in each other’s pain

How: Hearing and telling stories that make us laugh or ease our heartache

Singing songs that Saundra loved and songs that speak to our grief

Sharing food that Saundra enjoyed

Remembering the many ways Saundra will always be with us

Saundra did not consider herself religious yet she had faith in something bigger than herself. This memorial aims to honor her beliefs, her commitment to justice and community, her faith in people and possibilities