Mary Sue Johnson Ward was born June 22, 1943 in Kinston, AL. She was the oldest of 6 children of the late Clant and Mabel Johnson of Alabama.

Mary Sue moved to Marianna with her family in 1957. She is a 1961 class graduate of Marianna High School.

She is preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers Maurice and Ronnie Johnson, and her husband's James Ray Ward (Tere) of Chipley, and Herman Griffin (William) of Crystal River, FL.

She leaves behind an awesome crew of family and friends; her daughter, Tere Ward Morrisseau and husband Rob of Cottondale, FL, her son, William Griffin and wife Amy of Tallahassee.

She had several nick names depending on when and how you knew her; Red, Rojo, Sue-Sue, but her favorite nickname was what her 3 grandchildren called her. She was known as Nanny to Kayelissa Benefield (Eli) of Cottondale, Andrew Griffin of Tallahassee, and Isla Morrisseau of Cottondale.

She is survived by her sisters Martha Wilson,  Glinda Floyd, and Shirley (Bobby) Clark, along with several nieces and nephews and 2 special friends that are as close as family,  Delia "Dee" Bell and Gail Patterson.

Mary Sue worked as a ward clerk and a nurse's aide for many years at Chipley Hospital and Jackson Hospital (the old hospital) before fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse at the age of 45.

She will be remembered for her love to take care of her community. She has lived in Chipley for several years with the last 11 years being at Foxmeadows apartments.  Here she made lifelong friendships.  Over the last several months, these friends played a big part in helping take care of her and keep her home as long as possible. A huge thank you to Gail, Shauna, Anita, Robert, and Denise.

A very special mention to all who took part in caring for her; Chipola Medical Group (Kate Tyler APRN and Dr Gay), Chipola Health and Rehab (Wendy, Regina, Sonya, Marcie, Charity, and Emily), Nichole Tice, and Emerald Coast Hospice (Kim, Eli, Shelby, Courtney, Gino, Regan, Geriann, Kelley, and Liz), THANK YOU!

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 17th, 2025 at Brown Funeral Home from 3:00-5:00 P.M.

In lieu of food and flowers please make a donation in her name to Emerald Coast Hospice or Pennies for Heaven in Chipley, FL.