Dr. Karen Sue Johnson, COVNA President in 1989,
who had moved to Wimberley, died on December 27, 2005, a few weeks
after her husband of 34 years, Walter W. Brown, president in ’92
and ’93. Sue will be missed by her children, Benjamin and
Austin Brown; parents, Fred and Daisy Johnson; sister, Kristen
Johnson; and her grandchildren, Alexander, Sebastian, Audie, and
Christian, as well as her daughter-in-law, Noorlaila Murad-Brown.
Born in Wewoka, Oklahoma, in 1940, Sue received her BA in literature
and philosophy from the University of New Mexico. She later concentrated
her academic efforts in Sociology, earning both a Masters and
Ph.D. from the University of Texas. Sue taught Sociology at institutions
across the country, including Texas State University, Park College,
University of Kentucky, University of Arkansas, Quinnipiac College,
and St. Edward's University. Her publications focused on her passions
- environmental and natural resource issues and sustainable development.
In addition to teaching, Sue's professional life involved managing
important non-profit institutions such as the Austin Rape Crisis
Center and the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. In terms of her
work in state government, Sue served as director of research for
the Arkansas Department of Energy under then Governor Bill Clinton,
and she was elected to the Edwards Aquifer Board, eventually rising
to president of this body. Sue's last 25 years were spent in central
Texas where her community service included membership on the City
of Austin Board of Adjustment and the Travis County Task force
on the Environment. More recently, Sue served as Chairman of the
Board of Adjustment for the Village of Wimberley. Sue was also
an active member of the South Austin Democrats, Wimberley Democrats,
and the Hays County Democrats. During her 65 years, Sue was consistent
in valuing experiences over possessions. Her concern about the
abuse we wreak on our planet was instinctive, as was her insistence
on equality amongst different sexes, races, religions, and orientations.
She was not shy about challenging us on the worldly pursuits that
consumed our lives, always asking us if they were meaningful.
Sue recognized and appreciated the unique personalities of each
and every one of her many cats. She had a green thumb, and her
family grew up surrounded by many beautiful plants and gardens.
Sue had a unique perspective on the world, just as she had her
own way of interacting with it. Her personality and special life
challenged us and greatly expanded our perception. We will remember
and miss her for this. A reception celebrating Sue's life will
be held at the Historic Wimberley Winters House in Wimberley from
3:00 to 6:00 p.m., January 9, 2006. Directions to the Wimberley
Winters House may be found at http://www.visitwimberley.com/center/winters.shtml
The family asks that contributions be made in lieu of flowers
to the following local institutions: Wimberley Institute of Cultures,
PO Box 167, Wimberley, TX 78676 or Friends of Blue Hole, C/O The
Village of Wimberly, PO Box 2027, Wimberley, TX 78676.
Published in the Austin American-Statesman on 1/8/2006.
www.legacy.com/statesman/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=16236100.
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