Susie Allan Michal

Susie Allan Michal passed away peacefully, with her daughters by her side on February 22, 2022. Her lifelong goal was to tell people, especially children, the story of Jesus. What a homecoming she must have had! She was predeceased by her parents, Henry S. Allan and Ruth Foster Allan, her brothers James, Stanley, Henry and Hayden Allan, her husband, Norman Michal, Jr .and her daughter, Peggy Crittenden Grant. She is survived by her daughters Cindy Crittenden Henderson (Britt) and Genia Crittenden Durham (Dewayne), son in law, Terry Grant, 19 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, her brother, Jere F. Allan of Blythe, CA and her sister, Martha A. Owens of Guild, TN, many loved nieces and nephews and her stepdaughters Heather Buttry and Michelle Michal.

Susie was a pioneer in the optical industry. She was the first licensed female optician in the state of Tennessee and was honored as the Optician of the Year in 1992. She and her business partner, Pete Frost, owned Professional Opticians by Eastgate for many years. She then moved her licensure to Eyear Optical where she worked with her daughters until she retired at the age of 81. Generations of families still ask about her and tell stories of her caring for them.

She was a Sunday school and children’s church leader for many years and in her later years she volunteered with Inner City Ministries every week; bringing in dozens of Krystals for the children to snack on before they were taken home. Her heart was loving people, serving and giving. Fun and food were always the focus of her entertaining and often in her teaching as well. She had a terrific sense of humor, a bold chuckle and a tiny little delight in shocking her audience whether at work or in an adult Sunday school class with her witty commentary. She loved to tell stories and wrote extensively for her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her joy in singing hymns and whistling old melodies from her childhood.

The family is so grateful for the good care and comfort she received at Martin Boyd Christian Home, Tammy Carson and Earline Hudgins and by Hospice of Chattanooga during her illness. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be given to Martin Boyd Christian Home, 6845 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421 or Hospice of Chattanooga., 4416 Oakwood Dr, Bldg 2 Chattanooga, TN 37416.

The family will have a private service and burial.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com

Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37412.