Suzanne Johnson

Suzanne L. Johnson (Gratton), 88 of Lincoln, Nebraska passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Suzanne and William E. Johnson were married on October 7, 1977 and happily shared a life together until his death in 2005.

Born in rural Okemah, Oklahoma on July 22, 1933, she graduated from Blackwell High School, Oklahoma in 1950. She continued on to receive a Master’s at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas in 1958, together with her then husband, Lester Batterton (married on March 3, 1950). Additional graduate work included University of Texas (UT), Oklahoma University (OU), Oklahoma State University (OSU), and Oklahoma College for Women (Chickasha).

She was a devout Christian with interest in various philosophies and religions stemming from early influences from her grandfather, Dr. Snider, a Baptist preacher and medical practitioner in Oklahoma. Her father, John Gratton, was her hero and her brother, Johnie, her best friend. Her family and her extended family are the center of her heart. She was a veracious reader and a life-long learner. She was an educator, entrepreneur, arts enthusiast/creator and published poet who encouraged the same creativity in others.

Suzanne was active as Director, Board Member, and Founder of Yorkshire Playhouse. Other of her most notable contributions include: Educator of High School and College English, Journalism, Drama, Speech, Creative Writing and Speed Reading in OK and TX; Director of Community Action in Juneau, AK; Librarian at York HS (1970-74); Million Dollar Salesperson for Vernon, Co. in Loveland, CO, Odessa, TX and York, NE; Social Worker at Pickens Center in Amarillo, TX (1984-1994); licensed realtor in TX; and, owner of a restaurant/tea room/gift shop in Abilene, TX. After retiring, Suzanne owned several ventures with her daughters in Abilene, TX, Las Cruces, NM and Lincoln, NE. She spent her last years with her caregiver/grandson, Niclas Carlson in Lincoln, NE, enjoying family and friends.

Suzanne is survived by her five children: daughter Johna Meints – Boulder City, NV; daughter Becky Batterton – York, NE; son Robert Johnson (Stephanie) – Odessa, TX; daughter Mimi Johnson – Tucson, AZ; adopted son/grandson Niclas Carlson; eleven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren; extended family siblings-in-law, including, Ellen (Ted) Neal – Ft. Smith, AR; Lee Batterton – York, NE; Glenda Parma – Newport News, VA; Phyllis Batterton – Anthony, KS; Kathy (Raymond) Howell – Attica, KS; Lonnie (Leslie) Garvin – Fort Smith, AR; as well as Rowena Batterton’s extended family of which she was a part for many years.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her parents John Gratton and Thelma (Snider); brother Johnie Gratton; husband William E. Johnson; former husband Lester Batterton; and, grandson Anthony Johnson, as well as her infant son Joseph Wright and dear friends John Brogan and Jo Easley.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am, Monday, March 7, 2022 at Tabitha Chapel, 4720 Randolph Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. Chaplain Marty Thurber will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Aging Partners, Lincoln, NE and Tabitha Hospice Care, Lincoln, NE. Suzanne and her family wish to thank Jean Holt of Aging Partners with whose help she was able to live independently as well as the Tabitha Hospice and Elizabeth House Care Teams. Very special thanks and love to Nic for his continuous support and care.

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