Charlotte Johnson Susan

Charlotte (Johnson) Susan was born on August 27^th, 1953. She was 69 years old at the time of her passing. She was born to the late Alice Mary (Ivins) Johnson and the late Garrison Johnson, Sr. in Whiteriver, Ariz.

When you mention Charlotte’s name, you think of the way you knew her. As a seamstress, a cook, a baker, spiritual advisor, loving auntie, grandma, or sister. She had many friends who called her blessed. Moreover, you knew her laugh. She brought joy and thoughtfulness to many hearts. Some of her nicknames included Blue and Sharp.

Charlotte attended Theodore Roosevelt School, East Fork Lutheran Mission School, and graduated from Alchesay High School. During her formative years, she was also on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint placement program in San Jose, Utah. She also was first runner up for Miss Alchesay High School. She enjoyed high school sports, and you could find her on the sidelines as a cheerleader.

She went on to obtain her Associates Degree in Elementary Education. That began her journey working in various education capacities such as Head Start in Whiteriver and Cibecue. She also worked at JFK in Cedar Creek. She held other non-teaching jobs at Hon-Dah Casino, WMAT Attorney General office and even, the liquor store.

She was an avid cook with the Canyon Day Livestock Association and the Cedar Creek Livestock Association. She loved being outdoors, in the mountains camping and of course, the Apache favorite pass time of joy riding.

She was active in the Apache Sunrise dance. She had four Goddaughters she welcomed into her family – Pat Maxwell, Winnie James, Cheryl Lupe and CiCi Clendon. You could find Charlotte actively advising young women, gently correcting, and praying for the future of young women. She always wore a visor, a neck handkerchief, and a smile with her campdress. She loved being present and dancing with family and always counted it as privilege.

The hardships in Charlotte’s life were many but she continued to persevere and overcome as a strong, hardworking Apache woman.

She met the love of her life, Major Susan and they were married at the Fort Apache Branch on January 21, 2002, and the reception followed at the casino. They adopted three grandchildren- Jayden, Raerhiya and Kennedy- and temporarily resided in Tempe, Ariz. as the children continued school.

She is proceeded in death by her son, Tommy Joe Francis; daughter, KaiShayne (Alicia) Antonio; sister, Berlinda Johnson Harrina; brother, Dwayne Johnson; her parents, Alice Mary (Ivins) and Garrison Johnson; grandfather, Joseph C. Ivins; and brother-in-law, Vincent Craig.

Charlotte is survived by her husband, Major D. Susan; daughter, Whitney Antonio; adopted grandchildren, Jayden Taylor, Raerhiya Antonio and Kennedy Antonio; grandchildren, Amaya Burnette, Alexia Burnette, TaiKayah Burnette, Thomas Francis, Sean Francis, Dana Francis and Taila Francis; sister, Mariddie J. Craig; and brother, Edwin Johnson.

A viewing will take place on Thursday, February 23 at 8:00am to 10:00am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ft. Apache Branch. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 am. Branch President Adams will be conducting.

Burial will immediately follow at Golden Gulch Cemetery in Diamond Creek. The Relief Society will provide a to-go lunch at the church following burial.