Juanita Sue “Susie” Neal Todd, 73, of Connersville passed away Sunday afternoon, January 9, 2022 at Reid Health, Richmond.
The youngest of five children of Melvin Alfred and Aretta B. Hughes Neal, Susie was born in Connersville on January 23, 1948.
A 1966 graduate of Connersville High School, Susie enjoyed a variety of careers. After employment in the offices at Philco-Ford, she worked at Connersville Care Center on Iowa Avenue. During this time, she earned her certification from Lockyear college to become a nursing home administrator and continued her work at the Care Center as an administrator for ten years. She then became the bookkeeper at Fayette County Senior Center and was instrumental in setting up the county’s first transportation program for senior citizens. She later worked for Area 9 and helped establish the Meals on Wheels program in Fayette County. She then returned to Ford/Visteon for almost ten years and later was an assistant manager at Curves until its closure.
On December 23, 1967, Susie married William Todd in Connersville. Mr. Todd survives.
Active in the Fayette County Democrat Party, Susie served as president of the Fayette County Women’s democrat club and was a precinct vice-committeewoman. She chaired many fund-raising projects including the popular apple dumpling sales each fall. She also assisted in several candidates’ campaigns and enjoyed working at the polls on election days.
Susie was also a longtime member of Lambda Chi Omega Sorority, Iota Chapter, and chaired their Easter egg fundraising committee. For many years she was also chair of Connersville’s Toss for Toys program, which raised money at Christmas to buy gifts for underprivileged youngsters.
She was actively involved in planning her high school class reunions and Brown County class birthday celebrations. Generous with her time and talent to help make each event a success, she was a dedicated member of the reunion committee for decades.
Susie was a member of New Life Ministries. She had a strong faith in God and found solace throughout her life in knowing He would be her guide.
Susie was always ready to drive patients to doctor appointments, make dinner for grieving families, collect clothing or furniture for those down on their luck, or do whatever else was needed for family, friends, and strangers alike. She was always vivacious and had a positive attitude about everything. While facing her serious health issues, she often remarked that there were so many people who had problems much worse than hers.
She enjoyed traveling through the beautiful hills of Kentucky to visit her nieces, and she also loved spending time on Florida beaches. There was nothing, however, that gave her greater joy than supporting her son and then her grandchildren in their numerous activities.
Susie is survived by her husband, William Todd; son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Katie Combs Todd of Connersville. She is also leaving behind her beloved grandchildren, Tanner (Lexi) Todd of Richmond, Gabrielle Todd (fiancé, Alex) of Southport, Evan Todd of Metamora, and Sophia Todd of Connersville; a step-granddaughter, Santana Rose of Connersville; a step-great-granddaughter, Nyla Rose of Connersville. In addition, she is survived by several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and many cousins.
Besides her parents, Susie was preceded in death by her brothers, Gerald Neal and Kenneth Neal; and sisters, Roberta Kay Neal Caldwell and Gernice Neal Sargent.
Family and friends may call from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Pastor Jeff Meadows will officiate. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette County Cancer Society, and online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.