Susan Blanton Johnson, 59, of Castle Hayne, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, after courageously battling liver cancer for eight months.
Susan was born December 13, 1955, to Mary Shipman Blanton and Obbie Melvin Blanton, Jr. She grew up in the Sunset Park community.
At the age of 33, she entered Basic Law Enforcement Training and after receiving her certification, she joined New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy. She served proudly for 22 1/2 years, during which time, in addition to working patrol, she was a CSI investigator, vice and narcotics detective, school resource officer, general investigation detective, sexual assault detective, recruitment officer and detention shift supervisor.
She retired as a lieutenant in 2011. After retirement she worked part time with Cape Fear Community College as an in-service training coordinator for law enforcement classes. She was a North Carolina State Board certified instructor for law enforcement classes. She was a long time member of New Hanover County Law Enforcement Officers Association and served on the board of directors for several years.
She was married to the love of her life, Wiley Clyde Johnson, for 25 years. They lived at Wrightsville Beach for 15 years before moving to Castle Hayne.
In addition to her parents and husband she is survived by one sister, Toi Blanton Pettus and husband, Brian; one brother, Obbie M. Blanton III and wife, Valerie; one son, Ralph Roger Lauter Jr. and wife, Robin; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Johnson Callihan and husband, Clarence; step-daughter, LeAnne “Lucy” Johnson Hutchinson; grandson, Zach Hutchinson; granddaughter, Emma Hutchinson; grandsons, Kenny and Keaton Lauter; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and her two puppies, Lucy and Beretta.
She was a member of Wrightsville Beach Baptist Church. She was an avid Nascar fan, always pulling for Dale Earnhart, Jr. She also loved drag racing and raced her own car over the years. She was the proud owner of a fully restored 1968 Camaro.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, at Andrews Market Street Chapel. Family will also see friends at other times at their home.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, at Andrews Market Street Chapel, with the Revs. Danny Hawkins and Tony Festa officiating. Burial will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens with the Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard Service. Pallbearers will be members of New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office. Honorary pallbearers will be board members of New Hanover County Law Enforcement Officers Association.
The family extends a special thanks to Dr. William McNulty and staff at Care Fear Cancer Specialists, the staff at Lower Cape Fear Hospice, especially nurses Shawn Johnson and Anna Johnson and aide Latasha (aka T) and the New Hanover County Fire Department, Station 13 in Castle Hayne.
Memorials can be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, Domestic Violence Shelter, American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
Please leave online condolences to the family at Andrews Mortuary.
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