Susan Emmett Strother, age 82, died peacefully on January 3 after a long illness, surrounded by love.

Susan was born on March 11, 1943, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the fourth daughter of Norma Jean and Emmett Strother. She spent her early years in Shreveport and proudly attended C. E. Byrd High School, where she was a member of the Homecoming Court and was named Senior Favorite in 1961. Susan formed deep friendships during her years at Byrd, many of which endured throughout her life and remained an important part of her close circle until her passing.

Susan continued her education at the University of Arkansas, where she was a proud member of the Psi chapter of Chi Omega sorority. There, she cultivated lifelong friendships that she cherished dearly.

Susan had a deep love for animals, especially her many beloved puppies over the years. She enjoyed needlework, cooking, and volunteering, and she was known for her generous spirit. Cooking was her love language—one of the many ways she showed care and affection for family and friends. She was an active member of the Altar Guild at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral in Shreveport, where she found great joy in service and fellowship.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Margaret Ann (Strother) Dillard of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Susan is survived by her daughter, Susan Kelley Oholendt Hutchens and her husband Ray of Lexington, Kentucky, and her son, Michael Strother Oholendt and his wife Andrea of Houston, Texas. She is also survived by her sisters, Sandra McLean and her husband Charles of Fort Worth, Texas, and Norma Merryman of Tyler, Texas. Susan leaves behind three cherished grandchildren—Justin Hutchens, Ethan Oholendt, and Graham Oholendt—as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Susan’s name to Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, 908 Rutherford St, Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

Susan will be remembered with love for her kindness, devotion to family, generous heart, and the many lives she touched.