Jesusita was born in Wharton, Texas on August 31, 1940 to Hilario and Barbarasita Mata. While attending elementary school, a teacher shortened Jesusita's name to "Susie" and the nickname stayed with her from then on. As a young adult, Susie moved to Tulsa with her brother, Isaac Mata. There she met and fell in love with Elliott J. Barnett. They remained partners up until Elliott's death in March of 1998. In addition to her two children with Elliott; Donald "Barney" Barnett and Sandra Barnett, Susie also raised her nephew, Alan W. Mata. She worked for Tulsa Public Schools as a baking assistant in the cafeteria at John Paul Jones and she finished her 17 year career with TPS at Will Rogers High School.

After retiring, she moved to Bartlesville to be closer to Alan, his wife Stephanie Mata and their boy Gabriel Isaac Mata. Susie was predeceased by her husband, Elliott J. Barnett; son, Donald "Barney" Barnett; and nephew, Alan Mata. She leaves behind her daughter, Sandra Barnett and husband, Jeff Cummins of Bartlesville, grandsons Elias Barnett, Consena Barnett, and Kerry Barnett, all of Kingman, Arizona, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Susie will be remembered for her kindness and unshakable optimism. We will miss her constant smile and easy-going approach to life.

Viewing will be at Moore's Southlawn Chapel at 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 starting at 5:00 pm, followed by a rosary at 6:00 pm. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, starting at 10:00 am with internment at Memorial Park Cemetery thereafter.