Susan Joann "Sue" Johnson

Services for Susan Joann “Sue” Johnson will be at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at We Care Ministries, 750 Ouida Drive, Natchitoches, LA. The Rev. Gus Johnson, Jr., will be officiating.

There are some people whose presence is so strong, so full of love, that it leaves an imprint you can never forget. Susan Joann “Sue” Johnson was one of those people.

Born on November 13, 1959, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, to the late Rev. Gus Johnson and Oreatha Jones-Batiste, Sue came into this world with a light that would never dim. She was accepted Christ at an early age, her faith in God guided the way she lived — always with love, generosity, and grace.

Sue grew up in Natchitoches Parish, where she attended Natchitoches Parish School System. There she built lifelong friendships and planted her roots deep in the community she cherished. Sue was the kind of woman who never forgot where she came from, and she carried that hometown love in her heart everywhere she went.

Throughout her journey of life, Sue met Willie James Hymes. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and faith. Sue wasn’t just a mother and grandmother — Sue was the heart and soul of her family. Sue made sure her children and grandchildren knew they were loved, protected, and prayed for.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents Rev. Gus Johnson, Oreatha Jones-Batiste and brother, John Jones III.

Sue was an extraordinary mother — strong yet soft, nurturing but also fearless when it came to protecting the ones she loved. As a grandmother, Sue was the warm hug at the end of a hard day, the voice of wisdom, and the steady rock in every storm. Her bond with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was something truly special — a bond of pure love that can’t be broken.

Her smile could light up a room. Her laughter was contagious. Her words carried wisdom. And her presence made you feel at home. Sue had a way of making everyone feel important whether you were family by blood or by love.

Sue leaves behind four beloved children: Derrick Hymes (Jessica) of Lancaster, Texas; Kedria Hymes-Banks (Michael) of Garland, Texas; Isiah Hymes of Natchitoches, Louisiana; and Shalonda Hymes of Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Sue also leaves a legacy through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will forever feel her love guiding them forward. Sue’s love was far-reaching.

Sue is survived by her siblings: Ronald Spencer (Faye) of Alexandria, Louisiana; Curtis Johnson (Denise) of Modesto, California; Thomas Johnson (Regina), Rev. Gus Johnson, and Patrick Johnson (Joyce), all of Natchitoches, Louisiana; Vicki Odom (William) of Natchitoches, Louisiana; Phyllis Osby of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana; Audrey Johnson of Natchitoches, Louisiana; and Chanell Tousant of Richmond, Virginia.

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends will also cherish her memory.

Sue’s life was a living example of faith in action. She taught us how to love deeply, forgive quickly, laugh often, and hold on to hope no matter what. Her strength was unmatched, her heart was golden, and her spirit was unshakable.

Though we will miss her physical presence, Sue’s love lives on in all of us. Her legacy is carried in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, and everyone she touched. We honor her today not with just tears of sadness but with gratitude for the gift of having known her.

We love you, Sue. We celebrate you. And we’ll carry your light with us always.