Mrs. Suzanne Johnston Hanahan

Ward Wilson Funeral Home and Crematory

Viewed: 1816

Posted by: Ward Wilson
Date: Nov 07 2022 8:53 AM

Suzanne Johnston Hanahan was an only child born August 7th, 1936 to Andrew Johnston (“Papa”) and Evelyn Waltz Johnston (“Mama”) in Pensacola, Florida. She has been well loved and cherished since that date. 

Suzanne met the love of her life, Dr. LaBruce Hanahan, at dental hygiene school at The University of Alabama in Birmingham. After getting married August 25th, 1956, the two settled down in Dothan and worked together for a period at Dr. Hanahan’s dental office. 

Suzanne was known as a fighter to those closest to her, courageously beating four major cancers over her lifetime.  Her strong faith she had in her Lord Jesus Christ gave her the spiritual strength and mental strength to not only survive, but thrive, through any adverse circumstance. 

Her qualities balanced one another well: elegance to go with her toughness, blatant honesty matching her southern charm, and her steadfast opinions with her kind-heartedness and empathy for others. 

Loyalty was one of her greatest strengths. She established long time relationships with everyone in her life starting from grade school. This also included a standing Thursday appoint at Inez Beauty Shop for 59 years.

She celebrated 66 years of marriage last August. She was a founding member of the TNT and Unique Supper Clubs established in Dothan in the early 60’s. 

She enjoyed monthly camaraderie and dining adventures with her friends and was always with her Alabama football group rooting for the Tide during football season. 

She was a great reader and scholar, earning her 4 year EFM certification and focusing her intellectual activities with those that aligned with her spiritual fervor. Her tenacity in life made her a formidable expert in religious studies, and she was not afraid to voice her opinions to anyone with an errant view. She also voiced her conservative political views with equal fervor. 

Suzanne loved all artistic qualities and natures beauty—always wanted flowers and centerpieces that were reflective of her elegant taste.  She loved classical and church music for the same reason. 

She gave a good deal of time and talent to her Church, singing in the choir for 59 years, teaching Sunday School, serving on and continuously leading the altar guild, hosting Bible studies, and always willing to do what was needed for anyone that needed her time or talents. 

Suzanne was an exceptional entertainer. Her love of artistic expression and hospitality extended to a love of great food and she was quite the gourmet in the kitchen. Part of her legacy in Dothan is her recipe for Lemon Suzanne’s which is still a staple at the Dothan Country Club.

Suzanne was truly the epitome of a Southern Belle and was always referred to, as such! 

Suzanne loved St. Matthias Anglican Church which she attended regularly here in Dothan, her family, her friends, and her beloved city of Dothan. 

She is survived by her two daughters, Laura (Kit) and Courtney, her grandson, Grayson Miller and his wife Caitlyn, her grandson, LaBruce Miller, and her grandson, Gil and his wife Callie and their two sons, Graham and Hill.  She is also survived by Lillie Mae Ford who has been a part of the Hanahan family for 60 years. 

Suzanne (known to us also by Suzie-Q, mother, and Bubbie) passed from this life November 2nd, 2022. 

The family has requested that those who wish to express their sympathy through a gift to consider making a donation to “St. Matthias Anglican Church” as the church is establishing a library in Suzanne’s honor.

The family will hold a private graveside service followed by a Celebration of Life at the Dothan Country Club for all to attend Friday, November 11, 2022 at 4:00pm.

 

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