Susan Johnson Prince

Few things brought Susan Johnson Prince joy as much as hitting the road with no plans beyond “I think we should go that way for a while and see what we see.” It was a philosophy she lived her life by. With a love for all things as bizarre and unique as she was, some of her happiest moments were when she found a quirky roadside attraction none of her friends had ever seen before. Her adventurous spirit came through in her willingness to travel any time, with anyone; sometimes with little to no notice. “I can be packed and ready to go in twenty minutes,” was something anyone who knew her has inevitably heard her say at one time or another. A love of eating at questionable hole-in-the-wall diners in the middle of nowhere and staying in some more-than-questionable motels (she was not a fan of making reservations) are testaments to her fearlessness.

Surrounded by her husband and children, Susan took the ultimate adventure on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 as she left this world to find what's next.

There was nothing in Susan's heart but love as was evidenced by her many passions. With her love of animals (none more than her soulmutt, Thor), Susan found a sense of purpose in volunteering with groups like the Animal League of Birmingham and Best Friends of Shelby Humane. Her love of teaching brought her a 20+ year career working with young children where she touched the lives of thousands of kids and parents. Whether taking photos, painting one of her folk art pieces or working in her art journal, Susan loved to create anything and everything. She loved the beach and was always more than happy to visit her twin-at-heart, Doris on a beach trip (especially if they could make it to a few Mardi Gras parades while she was there).

Susan is survived by her husband, Joel Prince, children Chris Prince, Jessica Ballentine Prince and Amanda Prince, grandson, Logan Prince, siblings Steven Johnson and Patricia Johnson Markham as well as many beloved nieces and nephews and “adopted” children. When asked what she did for a living, Susan was quick to answer “I'm a professional grandmother.” Nothing meant more to her than her role as Nana. Her children know she loved them fiercely, but they realize that love could never touch the love she had for Logan (a fact known by anyone who spoke to her in the last three years of her life).

A very accepting woman, Susan loved everyone without exception or judgement. She loved the line “I'm a flamingo in a flock of pigeons” which never applied to anyone as much as Susan. She had a soft spot in her heart for the weird kids, for anyone who never quite fit in or found their place in the world.

Susan will be missed by everyone lucky enough to know her. Her family will have a memorial for her Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 3 pm. The service will be held at 333 Cahaba Valley Pkwy N, Pelham AL 35124 (the building behind the main sales building at the Heart of Dixie Harley Davidson). In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to St Jude's or Shelby Humane in Susan's memory.