Suzy Nelson

Crayle Suzanne Nelson, known to family as Suzy, or Grandma Suzy, left her earthly body on Saturday afternoon, October 12, 2024, peacefully with her eldest daughter Margie Taylor by her side as she transitioned to God’s hands where she was welcomed by her youngest daughter Cindy Martens Catlin and her grandson, Joey Martens Lenz who embraced her with love as they waited for her to join them.

Suzy Johnson Sutherland was born in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, November 6, 1938, as the only child of Arleigh Everett Johnson Sutherland and Mary Josephine Johnson Sutherland. Suzy and her parents lived in Burbank, California. She attended Luther Burbank Junior High and John Burroughs High School where she met her husband, classmate James Martens. They both graduated in 1956 and were married in 1958. Together they had four children, Margie Martens Lenz Taylor (Jeff), Brian Martens, Julie Suzuki (Gary), and Cynthia Martens Catlin.

Suzy loved modern dance, drama, and journalism in high school. Aa a single mom in 1964 she moved to North Hollywood and then Burbank where she was employed by Lockheed Aircraft in Public Relations. While raising her young children and working she attended night classes at Valley College and received her associate’s degree. As the kids got older, she pursued her Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Cal State Northridge. She didn’t stop there. When the kids became young adults, Suzy went on to receive her master’s degree in English and writing.

In the last 20 years she continued her education to receive a Screenplay certification and Screenwriting certification through UCLA Extension.

Her favorite pastimes were swimming and enjoying the beach. She often took the kids for weekend trips to Santa Monica beach or Long Beach natatorium for winter swimming in the family 67 Mustang-purple of course! Suzy moved to Oxnard and commuted to San Fernando High School in the 80’s teaching ESL and English- she loved teaching! In the nineties she retired and hit the high road to Oregon with a view of the Pacific Ocean from her home in Lincoln City. There Suzy enjoyed swimming daily, being a part of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and spending time with her cat Andy, and Bovier dogs Nanette and Nicole. She enjoyed them so much she authored books from their point of view. Writing books became her passion and she continued to write several other books.

As she aged dementia took over her life. Her son Brian and daughter Margie moved Suzy to Conroe, Texas in June 2022 to move closer to family.

Suzy is survived by her children Margie Taylor (Jeff), Brian Martens, and Julie Suzuki (Gary), grandchildren Jamie Wilson (Scott), Tim Lenz (Valerie), Cody Lenz (Angela), Jennifer Roberts, Ally Culp (Danny), Katie Martens, Mitchell Martens, and great grandchildren Alex Kuhn, Cooper Lenz, Lily Lenz, Matthew Kuhn, Taylor Kuhn, Willa Lenz, Elle Lenz, Nora Culp and Nomi Lenz.

60’s music was her favorite including Elvis, the Beach Boys, and Frank Sinatra or any Disney show, especially music from Mary Poppins. Thank you to the staff at Crossroads Senior Living and Devotion Hospice for the loving care they provided Suzy. They made her final year and a half the happiest she ever was.

The hardest thing to say is goodbye for the last time. Remember Suzy Nelson whenever you wear purple- her favorite color!

Services will begin at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home and Cemetery, 18000 I-45 South, The Woodlands, TX, officiated by Pastor Chris Lake on Friday, October 25 at 10:00am. Gravesite services immediately after at the park at 11:00am.