Sallie Evans Benson was born on March 22, 1959, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Bertha Mae Williams and

Clarence Evans. She was proudly named after her maternal grandmother, becoming the third generation

in her family to carry the name Sallie, a name she bore with strength, dignity, and love throughout her

life. She was the third oldest girl among nine children and grew up surrounded by a large and loving

family. To those who knew and loved her best, she was affectionately known as "Sallie Jo," a special

nickname lovingly reserved for her family.

Though Sallie never had children of her own, she spent much of her life caring for others. She lovingly

helped raise and look after many of her nieces and nephews, who affectionately considered themselves

to be her children. She especially cherished her great-niece, whom she cared for during a special season

in her life. In many ways, Sallie Jo was a second mother, aunt, confidante, protector, and caregiver to an

entire generation of family members.

Sallie attended Poly High School and later graduated from Fort Worth Beauty School. She spent more

than fifteen years working in merchandising at Michael's Warehouse before retiring. She was

dependable, hardworking, and took pride in caring for her responsibilities throughout her life.

Outside of family, Sallie's greatest companions were her five beloved dogs Benson, Bear, Betty Boo,

Baby Girl, and Baby Boy whom she affectionately considered her furry children. They brought her

comfort, companionship, and unconditional love, and she cared for each of them as members of her

family.

Sallie enjoyed shopping and could often be found searching for the best bargain, never minding a drive if

it meant getting a good deal. She especially loved Blue Bell ice cream and didn't think twice about

driving across town if she found it on sale. She loved cooking, watching television, listening to R&B

music, especially Lyfe Jennings on YouTube and spending time with family. When she chose to dine out,

Pizza Hut and Taco Casa were among her favorite places to visit.

Sallie was also blessed with many dear friends who became like family. Whether they were lifelong

friends from the community or coworkers she met during her years at Michael's Warehouse and prior,

she treasured those relationships. She enjoyed spending hours talking on the phone, watching television

together, sharing meals, laughing, and simply enjoying each other's company. Her friendships were built

on loyalty, honesty, and genuine love, and they remained a meaningful part of her life. Just don’t show

up to her house unannounced, or she’d love you from the outside and ask if your phone was working if

she acknowledged you at all.

Sallie attended church with her mother as often as she could and enjoyed worshipping alongside her

family. She had a fun-loving spirit, was helpful and kind, and truly never met a stranger. At the same

time, she was nobody's pushover. She believed in speaking her mind, standing her ground, and making

sure people treated her fairly. As her family lovingly says, she could bite your head off and give you the

shirt off her back at the same time. Beneath her tough exterior was a generous heart and a woman who

would do almost anything for the people she loved.

On June 20, 2026, Sallie departed this life, leaving behind a legacy of love, sacrifice, humor, and

unwavering devotion to friends and family. She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence Evans,

and her beloved sister, Cindy Teal Harris.

Sallie's memory will forever be cherished by her mother, Bertha Mae Johnson; her siblings, Mae Loving,

Darryl Johnson (Marilou), Nathan Johnson (Roxy), Shirley Jackson, Debra Roberson (Bruce) and David

Johnson; her many nieces and nephews; her treasured great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom she

loved as her own; her five cherished furry companions, who brought her immeasurable joy and

companionship throughout her life and her many dear friends from the community and her coworkers

who, over the years, became family and whose lives were forever enriched by her love and friendship.

Though Sallie Jo never became a mother by birth, she became something just as meaningful to many, a

caregiver, protector, aunt, and second mother. Her love, wisdom, humor, honesty, and unforgettable

spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those she nurtured, guided, fussed at, spoiled, and loved

throughout her life. To know Sallie Jo was to know loyalty, laughter, practicality, and a heart that always made room for

family. She taught those around her how to show up for the people they loved, and how to care for

others without expecting anything in return. She may have fussed at you, told you exactly what she

thought, and refused to let anyone take advantage of her, but beneath it all was a kind and generous

spirit. That was Sallie Jo, strong, loving, independent, and unforgettable.