Suzanne Sullivan

Suzanne Gardner Sullivan, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida passed away on February 12th 2017.  She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Berry Jackson Sullivan, Sr.

Suzanne was a force.  She was raised by her father Murray Rentz Gardner, in Covington, GA.  She excelled as a daughter and big sister for her surviving brother, Murray Rentz Gardner of Alabama.  She attended and graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Zoology from the University of Georgia.  While at UGA, Suzanne developed a lifelong commitment to others, serving as an officer on the Student Council and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.  She was loyal to her Bulldogs, providing such exuberant and cogent counsel from the stands that her friends called  her “Coach”.

Following Jack’s short stint in the Army Air Corp, the young couple returned to Valdosta, Georgia to make a home and life together.  Suzanne continued her service to community in the Valdosta Junior Service League, leading as its President, and volunteering countless hours at the “Coffee Corner” at South Georgia Medical Center.  However, her most important service legacy was personal.  She made newcomers to the community welcome and comforted those in need of it. Suzanne and Jack were dedicated members of Christ Episcopal Church in Valdosta and Suzanne lived the teachings of the faith.

Valuing education, she sacrificed to see her two children, Beth Copeland of Statham, GA and Jack Sullivan, Jr. of Tallahassee, FL graduate college and earn advanced degrees.  They along with their spouses, Beth Hitchcock Sullivan and Jim Copeland, and Suzanne’s grandchildren: Ben, Suzanne (Sean O’Neill), Sean, Garrett (Erin), Corey (Jenna) and Cole (Lauren Mathis);  great grandchildren: Brooke, Ashley, Colleen, Evelyn and “Coming Soon Sullivan,” all mourn the  passing of their “SuSu”.

Following retirement, Suzanne and Jack moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.  In their community of the Plantation, Suzanne made her caring and kindness felt.  From the President of the Bank to the grocery bagger at Publix, she made fast friends quickly and easily.  Everyone shared her time and kindness.  Suzanne was a force!

A memorial will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Valdosta, Georgia at 11:00AM on March 4th, with Reverend Jim Elliott officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Christ Episcopal Church in Valdosta, the American Cancer Society or the University of Georgia.