Susan Sullivan Peets, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of the many lives she touched. She was married to her beloved husband, William Dennis Peets, with whom she built a life full of travel, laughter, hospitality, and deep companionship.

Susan was the cherished daughter of the late Charles H. Lee and Jean R. Lee, whose love and influence shaped her vibrant spirit. She was a loving sister to Linda Lee Johnson, and a proud and affectionate aunt and great-aunt.

Above all, Susan was a devoted mother to her daughters, Jenny S. Childs and her husband KC Childs, and Kelly S. Yonce and her husband Justin. For much of Jenny and Kelly’s childhood, Susan was a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her family. Through determination and resilience, she built a successful career in healthcare management, serving as a Patient Access Director and in other leadership roles, all while raising her daughters with strength, warmth, and unwavering love.

Susan was known far and wide for her open heart and open home. To many, she was “Mama Sue.” Her daughters’ friends—and often friends of friends—found refuge in her care. Whether someone needed a meal, a listening ear, or a place to stay, Susan welcomed them without hesitation. Her back porch became a place of comfort, where she would sit, listen deeply, and offer wisdom, laughter, and encouragement. Her kitchen was always full, her table always set, and her home always alive with music, dancing, and belonging. Those who knew her will never forget her joy—whether dancing in the kitchen or, as family fondly recalls, even dancing her way into a Christmas tree.

She was the heart of every gathering, just as her mother Jean lovingly described—always at the center of the table, the conversation, and the laughter. She shared a special bond with her father, often by his side, whether at the grill or simply spending time together.

Susan valued family deeply and ensured her daughters stayed connected to their roots, traveling together across the country and abroad—from Louisiana to South Carolina, and as far as New York, California, Alaska, and England. After marrying Will in 2005, her love for travel and celebration only grew. Together they explored the world, visiting France, Italy, England, and Greece, attending music festivals, hosting gatherings, and continuing her lifelong tradition of welcoming others just as they were.

She had a deep appreciation for culture, shaped in part by her London heritage, and brought that richness into every space she entered—from festive parades and crawfish boils to spirited football games. If Susan was singing, you sang. If she was dancing, you danced.

Even in the face of illness, Susan’s strength and determination never wavered. After battling cancer for several years, she remained committed to living fully—famously ensuring she could visit the Colosseum in Rome, walker and all, even popping a wheel along the way.

Susan was generous in every sense—giving her time, her resources, her guidance, and endless second chances. In recent years, her faith deepened as she devoted herself to studying scripture, attending church, and seeking a closer relationship with the Lord.