Susette L. Johnson
Susette L. Johnson, 71, passed away at her home in Stuarts Draft, VA on Jan. 12, 2025. Born Jan. 25, 1953, she was raised by her parents, Terrance (Pat) and Kathryn (Kay) Dempsey of Troupsburg, NY. Susette attended Troupsburg Central School and graduated with the class of 1971. She later studied Real Estate and was a licensed Realtor/Agent in the state of Ohio. In 1976 she was married in Jamestown, NY to Frederick Johnson, her husband for over 48 years. She and her husband operated Jamboree Acres Nursery and played country music in their band, “The Pleasant Surprise”. In 1982 they introduced outdoor wood furnaces to the north east, opened a branch office in Montpelier, Ohio in 1993, and moved the business, “Outback Heating” to Staunton, VA in 2001.
She is survived by her husband, son Chad Bertch (by first marriage to the late Roy Bertch), and daughters Patricia Lyszaz (Christopher), and Cynthia Clayton (Matthew). Nine grandchildren, Storm, Rayne, and River Bertch, Olivia, Dawson, and Dylan Lyszaz, Ali Johnson, Stone and Dax Clayton. Sisters Mary Plumstead (Norman), Patricia Baker (Herbert), Diane Plank (Thomas), Michelle White (Gary), and brother John (Jack) Dempsey (Lori) along with 23 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by an infant sister Sharon, her parents, father and mother-in-law Vern and Olive Johnson, brothers-in-law Richard Johnson and Norman Plumstead, sisters-in-law Janet Johnson and June Johnson, and infant niece Teresa Dempsey.
Susette was a bright and caring soul who loved Jesus, all things family, planting/arranging flowers, music, baking, entertaining, and shopping. She enjoyed the outdoors, teaching her grandchildren how to bake, read, and to give all glory to God. Susette always made everything around her more beautiful, whether it was a new flower arrangement or just the smile on her face. She was always helping those in need and had the biggest heart for all those around her.
A memorial service was held on June 28, 2025 at Outback Heating, 89 Arrow Ln, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477 at 2pm.
Susette was a board member and treasurer of her church and the family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the “Faith, Hope and Love Fellowship” building fund.
Susette will always be remembered as the most giving person with a beautiful heart.