Susan Howard Kays

Susan Howard Kays passed away on August 15, 2023, as a result of injuries sustained from a fall. Susan was born in Statesboro, GA on June 2, 1948, to Mary Lee Simmons Howard and Ralph Emory Howard, Sr. Susan graduated from Statesboro High School in 1966 and attended Georgia Southern for a year before transferring to the University of Georgia, joining the Phi Mu sorority, and graduating in 1970.

Susan was a life-long educator and enjoyed teaching all age levels. She taught at High Point Elementary, St. James pre-school and Mt. Vernon Presbyterian before transitioning to Fellowship Christian Academy where she taught mathematics and coached the golf team. She truly loved her students. In 2011, Susan joined the Dekalb County Board of Elections as a poll worker and later became a manager. After retiring from teaching, Susan joined H&R Block as a tax advisor and office manager for the past 14 years. Her favorite job of all-time though, was being a mother and grandmother.

Susan had a servant’s heart. She enjoyed tutoring and volunteering at the food pantry at St. Vincent de Paul. She was a faithful member of St. James United Methodist Church for over 45 years.

Susan was known for her keen mind, sharp wit, creative ability, delicious southern meals and amazing sense of humor. Her favorite pastimes were gardening, cooking, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves, playing golf and spending time with dear friends (old and new). She loved her pets, friends, family and the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Mary; brother, Phillip; and ex-husband, Marion Reed Kays, III (Chip). She is survived by her son, Tad and his wife, Betsy; her son, Matt and his wife, Temperance; her grandchildren, Reed and Bo; her brother, Ralph and his wife, Bonnie; sister-in-law, Patricia Cassedy; nieces, Pam Whitaker and Patti Kelly; nephews, Paul Howard and Kevin Howard; many special great nieces and nephews and a wonderful group of best friends.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at H.M. Patterson and Son Oglethorpe Hill at 4550 Peachtree Road in Atlanta, GA 30319, on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at 3:00 PM. Reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, the Atlanta Humane Society, or your favorite charity.