Sue Johnson

All who knew Sue Johnson will certainly agree that she was a blessing in the lives of those around her. She was a warm and welcoming presence everywhere she went, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to care for others. Of all that Sue loved in life, she treasured her family and friends above all else. Her amazing smile and laughter were contagious, and she was always waiting with a listening ear and a piece of advice to offer. Deeply missed, Sue will be forever loved and cherished.

The mid 1940s were some of the most tumultuous years in world history. Yet in the home of Alton and Mary Walker of Moultrie, Georgia, there was joy and hope as they awaited the arrival of their baby. Born just a short time after the end of the war in September of 1945, Mary “Sue” entered the world on October 21, 1945.

Sue grew up in the family home and shared a close bond with her daddy, Alton, who worked tirelessly to run a shaved ice business, and then with the advent of refrigeration owned and operated the South Georgia Bottling company. Her mother, Mary, worked as a secretary for Moultrie City Hall. From a young age, Sue learned homemaking skills at her mother’s side, including cooking and baking, and she would sometimes prepare the midday meal herself to help care for her family.

Friendship came easily for Sue. As a child, she loved surrounding herself with friends and spent many hours riding bikes. Faith was the heartbeat of her life. She was a member of the Moultrie Baptist Church, where she built the foundation of the faith that would guide her throughout her life. Sue sang in the church choir and in the high school choir as well. She attended Moultrie High School, then went on to pursue further education and earn both her master’s degree and PHD at Wayne State University.

Through school and choir, Sue met Andy Bird, with whom she shared many meaningful years of her life. They were married shortly after college and lived briefly in St. Louis before settling in Birmingham, Michigan. Together, they welcomed three children—Laurie, Jon, and Jay—who remained the greatest joy of Sue’s life. Sue thrived in her role as a mother, encouraging independence while offering unwavering support. It was deeply important to her that her children develop their own faith, which she nurtured by faithfully taking them to youth group and church each week. A wonderful listener, Sue offered unconditional love and guidance. Although Sue and Andy later went their separate ways, they remained united in their love and devotion to their children, continuing to support their family with mutual respect and care.

Family vacations were an important part of her life, often including trips to Georgia to visit relatives, adventures in the Smoky Mountains, and visits with family along the coast of Maine.

When her children were young, Sue began working at her church, Northbrook Presbyterian. Over the course of her 20-year career as Christian Education Director, she wrote curriculum, organized church camp, nurtured faith, and formed many close and lasting friendships.

Sue’s love of music remained a constant throughout her life. While singing in the church choir at First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, she met David Johnson, whose companionship and shared faith brought renewed joy to her life. The two were a perfect match, and Sue and David were married in 1995. Over the next 30 wonderful years, they were inseparable partners in life, faith, and love.

Sue and David loved traveling the world together, both for work and for adventure. They traveled to Europe to sing in cathedrals with their choir, and explored many beautiful countries across Europe, including France, Italy, Spain, Monte Carlo and Scotland. As a united pair, Sue and David did missionary work, building churches and working alongside Mexican villagers. Even the simplest moments spent together were among some of Sue’s most cherished moments.

Later in life, Sue found immense joy in becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother. She delighted in her grandchildren, seizing every opportunity to laugh and spend time with them. Grandma Sue and Papa Dave once took four grandchildren on a memorable trip to Georgia, and they attended as many sporting events and special occasions as possible. In retirement, Sue and David moved closer to family so they could be near their grandchildren—exactly where Sue’s heart wanted to be. They found a wonderful church home at First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo.

Never one to sit still for long, Sue enjoyed spending time outdoors. While she never developed much patience for television, she was an avid reader of lighthearted romance novels. Her lifelong love of music never faded, and even as her health declined, singing brought her peace and joy. Sue could often be found on the phone, connecting with loved ones. She had a remarkable gift for conversation and could make anyone feel at ease.

As friends and family gather to reflect on the overflowing life of Sue Johnson, it is easy to celebrate a woman so devoted to serving others with compassion. Feisty and determined, she never let obstacles get in her way for long, and she exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord she loved through both word and deed. A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Sue embraced every opportunity to hold her loved ones close. Her boundless zest for life could be felt by all those around her, and her kindness left an unforgettable impact on so many. Although she is already greatly missed, Sue leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry forward.

Mary “Sue” Johnson, age 80, passed on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Sue was born on October 21, 1945 in Moultrie, Georgia to Alton and Mary Walker. Sue was preceded in death by her siblings, LeDonne “Al” (Zelda) Walker, and Carol Walker. Surviving is her loving husband of 30 years, David Johnson; her children, Laurie Comerford, Jon (Korrin) Bird, Jay Bird; grandchildren, Tristan Comerford (Epiphany), Mallory (Clark) Burckle, Alex Comerford (Siobhan), Reece Comerford (Kaylee), Justin Bird (Alexa) and Jordan Bird; great-grandchild, Wynn Burckle; the father of her children, Andy Bird; and many friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 24, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church for a memorial fund in Sue’s name, supporting children’s education. Celebrate Sue’s life by sharing stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900.