Susan Kimes Legacy

“Love God and help others.”

In Her Own Words

Susan's StoryWorth Stories

A growing collection of the stories Susan wrote herself — in her own voice, with her own humor, faith, and memory. We preserve her words exactly as she wrote them.

Now Available

Chosen Woman: Her Story of Faithfulness

Susie's book is now available to read on Amazon.

Find it on Amazon

FaithLife Lessons

What Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy Means to Me

The day Martin Luther King was gunned down was our third wedding anniversary. I was in a baby bubble, unaware of the social ramifications of our time.

1960s-2020s

FamilyJohnMinistry

What I'm Proudest Of

I am most proud of my sons. You are wonderful men, great husbands, and awesome dads. Each one of you serves Jesus according to your gifts and abilities.

Final Years

ChildhoodFamily

What My Mom Was Like When I Was a Child

Mom was the heart of the family. She was the family nurse, party planner, holiday organizer, and the one you went to with needs or questions.

Childhood

ChildhoodFamily

What My Dad Was Like When I Was a Child

Dad was the family provider. His friends called him Smiley. I did not have an early relationship with my Dad, but I learned from him by observing and listening.

Childhood

ChildhoodFamily

What My Grandparents Were Like

These two couples had varied backgrounds, but because they lived through the depression, wars, and famine, they took a similar path. All four moved to Southern California during a time of hardship.

Childhood

ChildhoodTravelAdventure

My First Big Trip

I was eight when I took my first big trip with Nana and Papa. A rope swing bridge over the Snake River, a greased irrigation pipe, bears at Yellowstone, and a long morning horse ride.

Childhood

JohnFaithFamily

The Wisest Person I've Known

The wisest person I've known was sent to me by Jesus to be my husband for over 50 years. He was a man of integrity, a man of vision, generous, steadfast, and a man who loved me unconditionally.

1960s-Final Years

Notable Ancestors

Abraham Reece served in the Revolutionary War. Josiah Jackson was a cavalryman. Stephen McBride was a drummer boy at Yorktown. And my Aunt Shirley Rose was a courageous woman of ministry.

Family History

FaithLife Lessons

My Best Advice About Work

Don't leave God out of it. In a capitalistic culture we tend to forget about the Lord in the workplace. Depending on the Lord takes practice.

Final Years

JohnTravelFunny Stories

Santa Barbara and Halley's Comet

In February of 1986, John and I went to the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara. We walked so deep in conversation we wandered into a nudist beach — and we watched Halley's Comet together.

1980s

FamilyFaithLife Lessons

Am I More Like My Father or My Mother?

I would have guessed I was more like my Mom. However, it appears I favor more of my Dad's traits. But my heart wants you to see the traits of my Heavenly Father.

Final Years

FaithLife Lessons

Who Inspires Me

My first response is Jesus. At sixteen I decided to commit suicide. I asked God if He were real to save me from death. He did. And in 1979, Revelation 21:1-4 melted my heart.

1970s-Final Years

ChildhoodFunny Stories

Fun Activities I Did as a Child

Climbing backyard fences, a girls-only clubhouse, playing army in Dad's uniform, digging roads for toy trucks, and the sneak-play touchdown. There were always fun things to do — we were never bored.

Childhood

The Places I've Lived

As newlyweds, Jerry (John) and I lived in the poor part of Bell, CA. Then South Gate, then the house where I was raised, then Live Oak, and finally our home in Irvine.

1960s-1980s

FaithMinistryLife Lessons

How My Life Turned Out Differently Than I Imagined

Until my early thirties I lived in fear, shame, and depression. Then on an August night in 1979, Jesus made me His own. Today my heart is full of life, purpose, and joy.

1970s-Final Years

Did I Ever Get in Trouble at School?

I ran away from home at ten and the police came. In fifth grade I told a pastor's daughter what was happening with the older kids — a cry for help — and was shamed in front of her whole class.

Childhood

Life LessonsJohn

The Secrets to a Happy Relationship

Respect and courtesy for one another is key, and in a marriage relationship it is vital. Loving another well, and long term, requires effort — and it is well worth it.

Final Years

MinistryFunny Stories

Famous People I've Met

OJ Simpson at a football playoff, Merlin Olsen's giant handshake, Stephanie Edwards, Marilyn McCoo Davis — and the only famous Person above all others, Jesus Christ.

1970s-2000s

FaithLife Lessons

When I Was Rescued

God has been gracious to rescue me so many times, both literally and figuratively — from alcohol poisoning at sixteen, from suicide attempts, from a 106-degree infection, and from a seizure on the 91 Toll Road.

1960s-Final Years

The Book That Made a Difference

There is only one book that is my source of wisdom and understanding — the Bible. It is meditative literature, meant to be read and reread, gleaning new thoughts along the way.

Final Years

My Favorite Musicians, Bands, and Albums

Music has always played an important role in my life. From The Mamas and the Papas to Rend Collective — and the Christian music that met me in deep places and lifted me higher.

1960s-Final Years

Have I Ever Doubted My Faith?

No, I haven't. My Lord blessed me with very strong faith. Faith and trust work together — Jesus has always been trustworthy.

Final Years

ChildhoodFamily

Were Your Parents Strict or Relaxed?

My earliest memory of my folks — they were relaxed. Then they entered their midlife crisis with alcohol and became absentee parents. Later in life they were mellow and seemed to love each other.

Childhood

TravelFamilyJohn

Places I Travel to Over and Over Again

John and I loved road trips along the California and Oregon coast. The Columbia Gorge is so beautiful we could go time and time again — and we did.

1970s-2010s

FamilyFaithGenerosity

What Makes Me Happy

Being with family is my happy place. My purest happiness is when I sense Jesus making Himself known to me. And if you want to make me happy, bring me your dirty clothes.

Final Years

Life LessonsFaith

Advice to My 20-Year-Old Self

There is a lot of advice I would give myself — love Jesus and follow Jesus being most important. However, no matter what the advice, I wouldn't have heard or followed it. Strong willed much?

Final Years

FaithFunny Stories

One of the Craziest Things That Happened to Me

I went out for dry cleaning and pizza and came home with a high prostitute named Trudy. Jesus arranged it for His purposes — and I never forgot her.

1970s

Funny StoriesFamily

Have I Ever Won Anything?

I always seemed to win on slot machines. Once at a hotel casino in Lake Tahoe, I won almost $800 — and had just found out I was pregnant with Jason.

1980s

FamilyFunny Stories

My Nicknames

Sue, Susie, Suz, Mama, Mama Suz, Grammy, Auntie. I love each and every nickname — each one makes me feel so special, in different ways.

Childhood-Final Years

ChildhoodFunny Stories

My First Date

In junior high a boy asked me to come to his house to meet his mom after school. I should have asked where he lived. We seemed to walk for miles, in the opposite direction of my house.

Childhood

Talents I Wish I Had

I wonder what it would be like to sit down at the piano and play beautifully. But after reflection, I think I am satisfied with the talents I do possess.

Final Years

FamilyFunny Stories

My Favorite Recipe — Helm's Bakery Enchilada Pie

You must be a certain age to know about the Helm's Bakery truck. When you bought from the Helm's man, you would be given a recipe — Enchilada Pie, a family favorite for decades.

Childhood-1980s

How My Relationship with My Siblings Changed

Jim, Paula, and I were not close when we were young. Over the years we grew closer — especially as we gathered around Mom at the end of her life. I sure miss Jim and Paula.

Childhood-Final Years

FaithMinistryLife Lessons

My Greatest Physical Challenge

From 1990 through 2022 I had undiagnosed severe anemia, migraines, and asthma — all while planning the first-ever women's stadium event at the Rose Bowl. I needed supernatural strength, and the Lord provided.

1990s-2020s

ChildhoodTravelFamily

Memorable Vacations from Childhood

Our family took a vacation to Ojai, CA. I woke up covered in black ants — but not a single ant bite. The chicken, biscuits, and honey butter were the main attraction.

Childhood

My Favorite Toys as a Child

I did not like playing with toys much. I enjoyed being outside. One Christmas my Nana bought me a Chatty Cathy doll — I think I was more of a tomboy.

Childhood

ChildhoodJohnFamily

How I Got My First Job

My first job was as a junior in high school. I assisted my future mother-in-law, Mrs. Kimes, in the business office — who then introduced me to her college student son, Jerry.

Childhood

FaithMinistryJohn

My Greatest Adventure

There is no contest — it was doing ministry with John and the Holy Spirit. From bringing home a prostitute to the first-ever women's stadium event at the Rose Bowl. The adventure continues.

1970s-Final Years

Regular Habits That Enrich My Life

When I wake I thank the Lord for the new day. Twice a day I pray the Shema and the Lord's Prayer. Three times a week I pray with different ladies. I challenge you to try it for a month.

Final Years

FaithLife Lessons

My Motto

Love God and help others.

Final Years

FaithLife Lessons

How I Want to Be Remembered

My hope is that I will be remembered as someone who loved Jesus, and served Him. I pray we all will align ourselves with His will, that His light will shine through us for generations to come.

Final Years

ChildhoodFunny Stories

My Car in High School

As soon as I got my driver's license, my dad got me a car — a black, 3-speed 1952 Ford. I was the first of my friends to get a car. Sadly, I blew the transmission trying to lay rubber.

Childhood