Susan Smart

Susan Smart fulfilled her lifelong dream of passing away in the company of her sons, after weeks of visits with friends and family at her beautiful beach house in Jacksonville, twenty years too soon, on December 8, 2017.

Susan was born in Muncie, Indiana and many of her fondest memories were of her times with her grandparents there when she was young. After moving to Jacksonville with her mother, Jane Wendell, as a child, she attended Florida State University where she picked up her passion for Seminole Football. Which was best expressed by screaming, “Go Noles!” at her children and friends every time Florida State scored a touchdown.

She was an elementary school special education teacher for more than thirty-five years, at times intentionally seeking out the hard jobs at the tough schools where she could make the most difference. She loved teaching because she loved the kids (although she came to hate the bureaucracy of the education system).

There was nothing she wouldn’t do for those she loved. Susan spent her life helping, caring for, and bossing around the few family, many, many friends, and thousands of students who were fortunate enough to share her time. She never gave up on anyone; nor did she lower her expectations. She was a firm believer that there is a right way to do things (her way) and a wrong way (all other ways), and that if you want something done right you do it yourself. To this day, no one, not her family or closest friends, has ever been able to properly wash, dry, and press a load of laundry to her standards.

Most of us are blessed to have one or two close friends we can call upon when in need. Susan had dozens and continued to make new lifelong friends even in her final months. A single child, her closest friends were not just friends, but family, her sisters. This family surrounded her with love and friendship throughout her adult life.

Susan’s greatest prides were her sons (Ryan and Zach) and grandchildren (Alyssa and Jacob), her home, and her baking. Not necessarily in that order. Her favorite things were time with family and friends, Christmas, and the beach. Exactly in that order.

Through dozens of chemotherapy treatments, tens of thousands of miles traveled to meet with specialists, and two clinical trials she remained a source of joy, a great friend, and the best mother. Even though she lost her battle with cancer, she won the war of life.

Visitation will be from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15, 2017 in Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16th in Community Presbyterian Church of Atlantic Beach.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Donald L. Rowland Fund for Colon Cancer Research at the University of Florida Health Cancer Center (PO Box 103633, Gainesville, FL 32610 or cancer.ufl.edu).