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Classmate Susan Burrow Johnson passed December 16th. After THS, Susan attended Florida State and graduated from Washburn University, receiving a degree in mathematics. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.
Susan taught briefly then, she ran scheduling and payroll for multiple businesses until she moved to Des Moines IA in 1979. She worked in Waste Management Corp in Tulsa and Southern Agriculture until retirement in 2010.
She was married to Ken Johnson in 1965 and started her family, with the birth of her daughter, Heidi Elizabeth. Her daughter, Cassidy Collins, was born in 1968.
Susan was an avid reader and KU fan. She loved to knit, cook and gifted many her friends with creations. She is survived by her daughter Heidi Puckett, her husband, and their four children, as well as, daughter Cassie Cross, her husband, and their two children.
A celebration of life will be held later. In lieu of flowers send donations to the Tulsa Meals on Wheels, 12620 E. 31 St, Tulsa OK, 74146.
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Elisha Bernard Hurd
I don't recall knowing Susan. However, I was moved by the description of what she experienced while a student and how she overcame. What is regrettable is that many of our classmates were experiencing similar family situations as we forged ahead. Thank you for sharing her challenges. Makes us proud of another member of the class of 61.
Suzanne Robinett (Brown)
I, too, remember Susan as always having a smile. I didn't know her well, and I had no idea of her tragic home life. She truly was a strong woman. My heart goes out to her family .
Robert J. Armstrong
I strongly agree with Elisha Hurd's comments about Susan. It is a shame that we didn't (and still don't) always know what shoes our classmates and current friends are walking in. Wouldn't this be a better world if we could empathize and maybe help each other more? I too am sorry that I did not know Susan, but it is wonderful to see fellow classmates that recall her lovely personality. It is good to see Kay's and Bernard's names again. Happy 2020 to all that see this!
Vera True (White)
I knew Susan in grade school when we were part of the same Brownie Troop. Her mother was the leader and did a good job for us. I am sorry she had such a terrible home life and wish we can kept in better touch after grade school. I am sure she needed some people to come along side her for encouragement and strengh. Thanks to those who were her friends.
David P. Thompson
In our large class Susan was one of those people who stood out as a genuinely nice person. I was never aware of her suffering except once when she lost her boyfriend to a tragic accident which by chance I witnessed. He was delivering papers in a VW bug, daring the downhill curve on the north end of gravelly Westchester Road and slammed sideways into a tree. I watched him die, my first aid useless. I will never forget the love and sympathy of so many of our fellow students and her ability to grieve in their arms the next day. I had not realized he was her special person.
Bernard Hurd put it so well. It was my privilege as a practicing physician to witness such personal moments but never became "accustomed" to that. We all need each other, and I am proud to have been part of this THS class.
Kathleen (Kay) Loebsack (Mettner)
i didn't get to finish the story about susan. You know why we all know everyone it seems. An;yway; Susan moved to tulsa and worked with ruth Brisco who married my cousin Tom Williamsom. they became great friemds an ruth got brain cancer(I can;t remenber if tommy was dead yet). amy way Susan ended up taking care of Ruth. Small world
Jeanne Howe (Cassel)
I didn't meet Susan until I moved to Topeka - the summer before my junior year. We went to the same youth group that summer and Susie immediately made me feel welcome. Our friendship continued for the next 2 years - classes together, youth group activities & car-pooling. Susan was a kind, thoughtful & loving person. My thoughts & prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
Gregory B. Wingate
Susie Burrow was my first cousin and we grew up only one block from each other interacting as a family on a regular basis. It is true that her mother was a "functional" alcoholic but her family was always her first priorty and was a positive influence on her three children. Susie's father did attemp suicide but after his recovery he was never a "veg" and worked for many years at a Topeka lumber yards front desk helping to privide for his family. Susie was a remarkablly kind and gentle person who gave freely of herself and time to help raise her two yunger brothers. One of which was moderately disabled from birth. Susie's daughter and grandchildren were the true joy of her life and were as close as any family could possibly be. Those of us who knew Susie admired her convictions and love for her family and friends.
Kathleen (Kay) Loebsack (Mettner)
thanks Greg for getting the story straight. I am sorry I got it wrong but I did not mean to call her dad a veg. That was cruel. I just meant he was not the same after that. And you were so right about her mother she was a wonderful lady despite her problem. I hope you are doing well, again thanks for the full story
James E. Oliver
Even though Susan and I knew very little about each other she was a positive influence on me over the 6 years at Boswell and THS. I'm glad to have known her and sorry to hear of her passing. RIP Susan.