Sandra Elaine Tunnell

Sandra Elaine Tunnell, (Sandy), educator, wife, mother, and “Bebe”, of Conroe, TX, passed away comfortably at home with family on August 14, 2025, shortly before her 83rd birthday. She was born on September 5, 1942, in Evansville, Indiana, living in Fort Worth, TX as a youth. Her family relocated to Oklahoma City, OK where Sandy attended public schools, graduating from Northwest Classen High School in 1960. At Northwest Classen, her love of music was displayed by participation as a flautist in the orchestra and marching band. Sandy played piano throughout her life, requiring her grand piano accompany her on each home move.

Sandy attended Oklahoma State University and graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor’s degree in education, focusing on Special Education. Sandy spent several years working for the Putnam City School District while pursuing and completing her PhD in Educational Psychology at OU. Her career included serving as a professor, Division Coordinator of the Education Department and Director of Testing at Oklahoma City University, and the Director of Special Services at Mid-Del School District. Sandy married Doyle Tunnell in 1987 and subsequently moved to Dallas, Texas, where she concluded her career as Associate Director of the Shelton Evaluation Center. Upon retirement, Sandy and Doyle moved to the Houston area where her grandchildren lived.

In retirement, Sandy was involved in church choir, the Stephen Ministry, multiple book clubs, the Delphian Society, and continuing her pursuit of education, attended multiple classes with Rice University’s continuing education program. She enjoyed playing golf, gardening, reading, and working puzzles. Sandy and Doyle traveled extensively, and she frequently expressed appreciation for the places they visited. Sandy and Doyle also enjoyed annual cruises with each of their grandchildren.

Sandra Elaine Tunnell is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mabel Jones, her first husband, B. Bruce Johnson, brother-in-law, Art Myers, and nephew, Casey Myers. She is survived by her devoted husband, Doyle Tunnell, sister Janyce Myers of Edmond, OK, son B. Bruce Johnson, Jr. of Asheville, NC, daughter Melanie Johnson White of Houston, TX, stepson Jon Tunnell of Dallas, TX and stepdaughter, Tracie Tunnell (David Hegeman) of San Jose, CA. “Bebe” is also survived by eight grandchildren, Bennett Johnson, Mary McAfee Johnson, Anne Johnson, Luke White, Zack White, George White, Kai Hegeman, and Alex Hegeman, and three nieces, Kelly Kogan, Kristen Kelly and Katie McIntire. She is also survived by her canine shadows, Jaxon and Bailey.

Services: A Memorial will be held on October 3, 2:00 p.m., at St. James the Apostle Episcopal Church, Conroe, TX.

Honoring Sandy’s love of music, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Music Program at St. James the Apostle Episcopal Church, Conroe, TX.