Susan Ann Sullivan

Susan A. Sullivan, age 69, passed away on September 23, 2023, in Overland Park, KS. Susan was born to Airry “Cricket” (Pennabaker) Barr on June 20, 1954, in Arlington, VA, and grew up in Kansas City, MO. Cricket raised Susan as a single mother (until her teenage years when Cricket married John Barr) and she and Susan shared a very close bond that continued throughout their lifetimes. After a move with Cricket during high school, Susan transferred from Westport High School to Center High School where she graduated and was co-captain of the cheerleading squad.

After high school, Susan attended the University of Kansas where she ran track and earned a degree in education (and later a master’s degree in education). After college, Susan began a 35+ year teaching career in the Wyandotte, Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission school districts, focusing on gifted education and enrichment curriculum. She was known for her bright and well-decorated classrooms, imaginative field trips and time spent with The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s entrepreneurial programs.

Susan enjoyed being outdoors and the summertime, where she could be found at the swimming pool with her children. Susan also enjoyed gardening, music and being barefoot any opportunity she could find.

Later in life, in 2005, Susan remarried to Martin (Marty) E. Phillips, her old Westport High School sweetheart. Together, Marty and Susan were avid Kansas Jayhawk, Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs fans. Susan enjoyed weekend antiquing road trips, and their treasured antique collection was prominently displayed with its historical significance certain to be recited to any visitors. Susan’s favorite color was undoubtedly yellow, and she made sure there was a yellow “Sunflower Room” in her home. Susan loved being around friends and her smile would light up any room.

Susan is survived by her two daughters, Rachael Crocker and Nicholle Major and a son, Brandon (Courtney) Hill. She was the grandmother to two granddaughters, Annabelle and Serena, and three grandsons, John Michael, Micah and Axel.

The Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 PM on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Newcomers Floral Hills Funeral Home. Susan will be honored at the celebration by family and friends dressing in bright colors. In lieu of flowers, the children ask for donations to be made in Susan’s honor to Head for the Cure Foundation or Good Shepard Hospice.