OWENSBORO – Sue Carrol Allen Johnstone, 85, of Owensboro, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Calumet Trace Senior Living. Sue was born October 2, 1940, in Rumsey, KY to the late Julian “Ted” Weeks Allen and Susan Jane Mercer Allen. Sue grew up in Drakesboro, KY until moving to Owensboro in 2013.
After graduating from Drakesboro Consolidated School in 1958, she attended business school in Bowling Green, KY, where she studied to become a secretary. Known for being a fast typist and a wiz at shorthand, she landed her first job with Harold M. Streets as a legal secretary, where she continued to work until her retirement. Sue had many friends throughout her career and was affectionately called one of the “girls on the block”. They always enjoyed lunches and celebrating life together.
Sue shared a close bond with her cousin, Ann Corley, and it was through her that she met the love of her life, Larry, at a dance while he was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Sue and Larry continued dancing throughout their 50-year marriage and became members of the Cotillion Dance Club in Muhlenberg County, where they were known for their enthusiastic jitterbug and welcoming personalities. Wherever there was music, the two of them lit up the dance floor. Sue also loved sewing costumes for her grandchildren, baking her world-famous chess pie for family gatherings, and reading every book imaginable.
Sue was preceded in death by her husband and soulmate, Lawrence Henry Johnstone Jr.; her parents; and her siblings, Charles Raymond Allen, Lucille Robinson, and Gladys Pearl Thompson.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Eric Johnstone and his wife, Karen, of Dallas, Texas; her daughter, Michelle (Johnstone) Adams and her husband Dr. Greg Adams, of Owensboro; her grandchildren, Alex Adams and his fiancé, Lydia, of Lexington, Kentucky; Ella Adams of Owensboro; and Beck Johnstone and Skylie Johnstone, both of Dallas, Texas; as well as her sister, Helen Thompson of New Orleans, Louisiana and many nieces and nephews. We are also eternally grateful to our friend and honorary family member, Christy Brown, whose love and personal care for Sue was a blessing. Finally, “thank you” to Katilyn Kerzan, all the staff at Cedarhurst Senior Living and Calumet Trace.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday June 13, 2026, at 4 p.m. in the Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory chapel. Visitation will be held Saturday from 1:00 until 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Expression of Sympathy may be made through donations to the Allen’s Chapel Cemetery c/o Amanda Davis 701 Wolcutt Lane, Central City, KY 42330 or The Faithful Friends Nursing Home Ministry at Pleasant Valley Community Church 800 Pleasant Valley Road, Owensboro, KY 42366.
Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.glennfuneralhome.com.
