Death of Susan Johnson

Toti bade a fond farewell to one of its civic-minded matriarchs, with the death of Susan Johnson, 82, during lockdown. Sue was very involved in community work for many years with Amanzimtoti Child and Family Welfare and Jabulani residence for senior citizens. She was also a member of 21 Club, Toti Quilters and the Women’s Institute.

She was born in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania and lived in Langata, Kenya and The Great Rift Valley. She met her husband Alan in Kenya and they were married on 3 August, 1957. They lived in Nandi Hills overlooking Lake Victoria, where they raised four children, Davina, who lives in Brisbane, Australia, Penny, Nicholas, who is in Cape Town, and Anthony who resides in Scottburgh. They were blessed with six grandchildren, Celeste, Tammy, Amy, Andrew, Robert and Mathew.

In 1970 they left Kenya to live in Tzaneen in South Africa. They were there for three years, then move to Chipinga, in the then Rhodesia for a further three years.

They moved back to South Africa in 1976 to live in Warner Beach, where they ran Wood-head Spar for 12 years. The family lived above the shop and made many friends and memories. When they retired, Sue and Alan did much travelling to Australia, England, Singapore, Kenya and Botswana.

“My mother was a rock to so many. She was always so positive, cheerful and a great inspiration. She always found something positive to say and loved people. She was a true legend and will be sorely missed by so many,” said Penny.

When Susan was presented with the Women’s Institute Woman of the Year award in 2005, it read:

She gives generously of her administrative skills and her time, and she has provided many with transport to doctor’s appointments and hospital. She is a great motivator of fundraising and upgrading of facilities at Jabulani. She has long been associated with Amanzimtoti Child and Family Welfare, for many years having convened the tea tent at the Highland gathering, never forgetting to thank all who helped. She is convener of the Bird Park Kiosk Charities Association. In response to a need for stationery for impoverished learners, she ran a project to provide help. Her car boot is frequently filled with items for distribution within the community whose welfare is an ongoing concern. Her family is a priority and she also makes time for her hobbies. Susan Johnson, we salute you.

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