Suzette Thomas

Suzette Nicole Thomas entered this earth on September 25, 1951 and joined the angels on January 5, 2020. Suzette, affectionately known as Susie or Sudsy, was raised on the near east side of Columbus and graduated from East High in 1969. Artistic, creative and focused, Susie studied piano and ballet and was a member of the orchestra, pep and drama clubs in high school. She was also a life- long member of St. Paul AME church. Susie went on to Ohio University and received her degree in Early Childhood Education. During college, Sudsy was a member of the Alpha Angels. During this time she also further developed her artistic talents and often wrote beautiful poetry and essays. She also loved to draw. A fashionista, Susie loved to look her best and was often found donning the latest style of clothing, hats, berets and turquoise jewelry. Her favorite colors were cream and turquoise and she preferred that her gifts be in those colors as well. Once, when her niece tried to broaden her color palette by giving her a green sweater, she was gently reminded that “turquoise is my favorite color.” Susie loved children and worked for many years at a daycare center where she was revered by those under her care. While she brought joy to many children’s lives, the highlight of her life was her niece Genelle and great-nephew Brian. Although she never birthed a child, she loved both her nieces and nephew very much but she had a special bond with Genelle and Brian who lived in Columbus. They brought much joy to her existence and she brought joy to their lives as well. Susie was also loved by her friend’s children; many of whom called her “Aunt Susie”. And she held a special place in her heart for her four godchildren: Jazmin Briggs, Anna Gibbs, Aaron McDaniel and Malcolm Weston. Susie worked for the City of Columbus for many years in the recreation and parks and code enforcement departments where her vivacious personality earned her many friends. She was a Development Service Assistant from 1977 until March of 1988. A people lover, Susie loved to socialize. She would light up a room with her presence. And most years, she celebrated her birthday with a special party. A worldly person, Susie loved to travel and frequently went to conferences and events with friends and family. She even relocated to Atlanta, Georgia for a few years. Her many interests also included community service and she volunteered her time to many political campaigns. And she never saw a T.J. Maxx that she didn’t want to enter. One of the recent highlights of her life was her attendance at her 50 year East High School class reunion and her Ohio University reunion. Her brother Jan made it possible for her to attend and she looked forward to it for months. She was ecstatic to see her old friends and often spoke of many cherished memories from that weekend. Suzette was known for her big, beautiful eyes but it was her big, beautiful heart that was her greatest attribute. Giving and selfless, Susie would often extend herself to others. She was always willing to go the extra mile for a friend and never hesitated to help whenever needed. She was also a very loyal friend and was known to keep confidences and to stick up for those she loved. Susie was loving, kind, wise and intelligent and gave good counsel to those who asked for her advice. Blessed with a positive attitude and a sweet, gentle spirit, Susie spread joy wherever she went and she was always looking forward. She loved life and was hopeful about her situation until the very end. Suzette is survived by a brother, Jan Lewis; sisters, Sherrie Morris and Evelyn Willis; nephew, Jason Lewis; nieces, Genelle Morris and Genelle Willis; great-nephew, Brian Willis; and former sister-in-law Darlene Harp. She was preceded in death by her parents Genelle Ayres Willis and Harry Thomas and grandmother Elizabeth “Mama Lizabeth” Fields Ayres. Susie has left a lasting imprint on the lives of many. In addition to her family, she will always be remembered by a cadre of special friends too numerous to mention.