Susan Kaye Owen, beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on June 24, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. She was born on March 30, 1941, in Winchester, TN, to her loving parents, William Frank and Isabel Smith. Susan spent her childhood in Decherd, Tennessee, in the family home built by her paternal grandfather.
Susan was a compassionate and nurturing soul, and her life was filled with love for her family, friends, and the many dogs and cats she welcomed into her heart and home over the years. Susan’s kind and caring nature touched the lives of all who knew her.
Susan’s journey through life was marked by her unwavering commitment to education and service. She graduated from St. Mary’s School in 1958 where she was voted “Most likely to ask questions”. She followed in her father’s footsteps and pursued higher education at the University of Alabama, graduating in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Susan’s true passion, however, led her to a fulfilling career as a teacher in the Franklin County school system, where she dedicated herself to shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning.
Her faith was also an essential part of her life. She was a lifelong member of the Decherd Presbyterian Church, where she sang in the choir and found solace and community.
In her free time, Susan enjoyed indulging in her hobbies and interests, which included reading, shopping, traveling throughout the United States and abroad, and delving into genealogy. She found joy in exploring new places, learning about her family history, and especially spending time with her beloved grandsons, David and Dillon.
Susan’s memory will forever be cherished by her devoted husband, William C. Owen; loving daughter, Laurie Brooks; stepson, Andrew (Lynn) Owen; grandsons, David Brooks and Dillon Brooks; brothers, Karl (Dottie) Smith and Scotty (Debbie) Smith. She is also survived by nieces Beth (Chris) Thompson, Emily (Brant) McGill, Mandy (Clifford) Summers, Kathryn Smith, and Laura (Harris) Oppenheimer, nephew Will (Melia) Smith, great-nieces Grace Thompson, Kate Summers, and Bess Oppenheimer, great-nephews, Nathan Thompson, Scotty Thompson, Will Thompson, Harris Oppenheimer, Woods McGill, Frank McGill, Cooper Smith, Grady Parker Smith, and Carson Smith, her many cousins, and cherished dog, Happy. Her love and care for her family was a testament to the depth of her heart.
Susan was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Brian Brooks, stepsons Seth Owen and Tim Owen, and the many dogs and cats who brought her so much joy throughout her life.
In honoring Susan’s memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Animal Harbor, 56 Nor-Nan Road, Winchester, Tennessee 37398, in place of flowers. This gesture reflects Susan’s deep love for animals and her commitment to supporting their well-being.
Susan’s legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to her family, friends, students, and community will live on in the hearts of all fortunate to know her. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love she shared so generously during her time on earth.
A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
