Suzanne Johnson Hurd

Hilton Head Island - Suzanne "Sue" Hurd passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at her home on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, at the age of 98. Sue was born on November 5, 1925, in Dayton, OH, to parents Sharon C. Johnson and Irene Neibert Johnson. Sue was one of four sisters, all of whom remained very close throughout their lives.

Sue grew up in Dayton, Ohio, where she attended Fairview High School and was a cheerleader. It was at Fairview High School where she met the love of her life, Wilbert "Bill" Hurd.

Sue enrolled at Ohio State University where she was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. She finished college while Bill served in WWII in the United States Navy. After the War, Bill returned home and enrolled at Ohio State. Upon Bill's graduation, Sue and Bill were married.

Bill and Sue moved to Akron, Ohio, where Bill enjoyed a very successful career as an agent for the Equitable Life Assurance Society. It was in Akron that Bill and Sue raised their two children, Cindy, and Joe.

Sue and Bill moved to Hilton Head Island, SC, in 1980 after Bill's retirement. Sue actively pursued her passion for tennis, bicycling and golf for more than 40 years. She also enjoyed rollerblading with her daughter, Cindy, and her grandchildren. Sue developed many lifelong friendships during her decades on Hilton Head Island.

Sue and Bill enjoyed much travel around the world. They were also loyal alumni of Ohio State University and avid supporters of the Buckeyes' football program. Remarkably, Sue and Bill never spent more than 72 consecutive hours apart during their 75-year happy marriage.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill, and her sister, Joan Kagay. She was also preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Cynthia Hurd Abell.

Sue is survived by her son, Joseph Hurd (Amis), and her sisters Phyllis "Nan" Blackford and Kay Crowe. She is further survived by her three grandchildren, Kelly Abell O'Shea (Brendan), Patrick Abell (Stephanie) and Zina Hurd Hottovy (John). She will be sorely missed by her six great-grandchildren: Bobby, Tommy & Danny O'Shea, Ryan & Annie Abell and JJ Hottovy. Sue also had many nieces and nephews of whom she was most fond.

The family also wishes to extend their gratitude to Marilyn Vanderpool, Sue's sister-in-law, for her love and help these past many years, and to Scott Abell, Sue's son-in-law, for the same. The family is also grateful to the staff of Cypress Home Health Care for their caring help.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life remembrance will take place at a future date.