posted August 27, 2008
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Beloved grandmother and friend to all, “Suzy” proved a life of giving is a life well-lived. Born Ella Sue Sullivan in Cleveland, Tn. on October 1, 1931, Suzy grew up on the family farm, now the “Sullivan Addition” to Cleveland in a home on North Ocoee Street. She graduated from GPS in 1949 and later attended The University of Chattanooga, where she proudly joined Chi Omega Sorority. She raised two children, Sheron Sue Bibee and Van Bunch, mostly as a single Mom at a time when it was a path less well worn. She worked many years in the banking industry, first at Pioneer Bank, then Sovereign, Commerce Union, and finally at Bank of America, making lasting friendships all along the way. The consummate supporter, she attended countless youth softball games, baseball games, soccer matches, golf matches, Baylor and Knoxville Webb basketball, baseball, softball and football games, UT baseball games and East Carolina softball games of her children and grandchildren. She always demanded sportsmanship and fair play of her little athletes, teaching them there and through her personal example that it’s more important to play all out than merely win. She did enjoy many wins, as shown by her trips to state football championship games, junior golf matches and the College Baseball World Series. More even than success on the field, Suzy took great pride and joy in watching the kids grow and prosper in school and in life.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Dr. S.J. Sullivan, Sr. and Rheba “Bebe” Goolsbee Sullivan; her brother, Samuel Julian Sullivan, Jr.; her sister, Joann Sullivan Carris; and a grandson, Chad Daniel Bibee.
Survivors include daughter Sheron and son-in-law Hal H. Bibee, Sr., son Van and daughter-in-law Corinne Giagnorio; grandchildren, Hal H. Bibee, Jr., wife Katy (and great-granddaughter Ella Blair), Elizabeth Lynn Bibee (and great-granddaugther Halle Ryan Bibee), Brian Sullivan Bibee, Sarah Ann Bibee, Dylan Sullivan Bunch, Elin Elizabeth Bunch and Taegan Elise Bunch; sister-in-law, Jane Sain; nephew, Samuel Julian Sullivan, III; nieces, Martha Foster and Emma Jane Haile.
A memorial service will be held a Rivermont Presbyterian Church, 3319 Hixson Pike, where she was a long-time member, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, followed by a visitation from 2 to 4 p.m. at Broad Street United Methodist Church Cleveland, Tn. Service and interment will follow with a graveside service for family and friends at New Friendship Cemetery, Tasso, Tn. Julian Sullivan, Hal Bibee, Sr., Hal Bibee, Jr., Brian Bibee, Dylan Bunch, John Haile, Mike Mount, Bill Mount and Jack Sullivan will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, Suzy and her family ask that gifts in memoriam be made to the Baylor School Community Service Program, c/o Ms. Joli Anderson 171 Baylor School Road, Chattanooga, TN 37405, to the Webb School of Knoxville, 9800 Webb School Drive, Knoxville, TN 37923-3399 or Rivermont Presbyterian Church, 3319 Hixson Pike Chattanooga, TN 37415.
Grissom Funeral Home, Cleveland, has charge of funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net
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