Mary Sue Johnson

Mary Sue Nelson Johnson, age 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Her funeral service will be on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Stewart Family Funeral Home, 7525 Old Jacksonville Highway, Tyler, TX 75703. There will be a private family graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery before the funeral service. Mary Sue was born on November 7, 1945, in Lubbock, TX, to Garrett Hobert Nelson and Minnie Aileen Hackney Nelson. She graduated from Lubbock High School in 1964, then continued her education at Oklahoma State University, alongside her high school sweetheart, Alan. They married in 1966, then, after graduating, returned to Lubbock for Alan to attend Texas Tech Law School. They moved to Tyler, TX, in 1972, and resided there throughout the remainder of their lives. They were married for 28 years before Alan passed away suddenly at the age of 48. Mary Sue then continued to live her life actively and generously loving her children, grandchildren, other close family members, and a multitude of friends. Mary Sue loved children and spent faithful years teaching Sunday School and VBS as long as she was able. She tutored children with reading disabilities and had the gift of creativity which she used to bless others in many ways including sewing, embroidering, painting, crocheting, calligraphy, and even architecture. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease at the young age of 38, Mary Sue lived a long life of quiet courage while persevering with the debilitations that came with her diagnosis. She loved Jesus and knew His tender care so very well. She modeled to those around her a spirit of humility, joy, and submission to her Heavenly Father regardless of her earthly circumstances. She knew that He was Good at all times. Mary Sue was preceded in death by her loving husband, Alan Johnson; her parents, Hobert and Aileen Nelson; her sister and brother-in-law, Willella Nelson Nabors & Tuffy; and sister-in-law, Joe Love Stogner Nelson. She is survived by two brothers, Bert Nelson and George Nelson, both of Lubbock; her three children and their spouses, Suzanne Johnson Hash & husband, David; Russ Johnson & wife, Cammy; and Kara Johnson Newberry & husband, Andy. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren Tayler Newberry Harrell & husband, Taz; Parker Johnson; Claire Newberry Perkins & husband, Collin; Hannah Johnson Williams & husband, Matt; Sarah Hash Luna & husband, Jayson; Garrett Newberry & wife Meghan; Zach Hash; and Savannah Hash; and three great-grandchildren Rhett & Braxton Harrell, Jemma Perkins, along with another Perkins and Luna baby on the way. The family wishes to thank those who helped care for Mary Sue in the last years of her life. The women and men at The Hospice of East Texas and Meadow Lake Senior Living Community not only cared for Mary Sue but were her friends and community for many years and have been a treasure for the family. Mary Sue’s grandsons and grandsons-in-law will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701 (www.hospiceofeasttexas.org).

Mary Sue Johnson

November 7, 1945 - February 11, 2025