Born in Birmingham at Carraway Hospital to the late Arthur and Margaret Wade, Suzy is survived by her husband Phil; her sons Seth (Becca) and Lee (Caroline); grandchildren Nora, Henry, and Mary Wade; brothers Dr. Steve (Therese) Bowen and Sam (Earnie) Wade; a number of nephews and nieces; and many lifelong friends.
Graduating from the University of Montevallo in 1974 with a degree in music, Suzy’s first job out of college was working at Six Flags Over Georgia as a singer and performer at The Crystal Pistol. Subsequent years had her traveling across the southeast performing with her own band. A highlight of Suzy’s professional career was playing the role of Maria in “The Sound of Music” at the Jewish Community Center in the early 1970’s as part of Birmingham’s Festival of Arts.
In 1978, she began her work as a music teacher in the Sylacauga City School System, retiring after twenty-five years. She also served as director of the adult and children’s choirs at First Presbyterian Church in Sylacauga for many years. Suzy instilled in thousands of students over those years the love and joy of music. A person of deep faith, Suzy showed love and respect to everyone she met.
A Celebration of Life service remembering Suzy will be held on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 2:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Sylacauga followed by a reception in the church’s Perryman Hall. At a later date in a private family service, Suzy’s ashes will be scattered in the memory garden in Montreat, North Carolina, a place she loved for more than forty years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Suzy’s name to the Sylacauga City Schools Foundation, 43 North Broadway Avenue, Sylacauga, Al 35150; the First Presbyterian Church of Sylacauga, 100 S. Norton Avenue, Sylacauga, Al 35150; or the Encore Respite Ministry at Canterbury United Methodist Church, 350 Overbrook Road, Birmingham, Al 35213.
Under the care of Curtis and Son Funeral Home, Sylacauga, Al 35150.
