Susan Gryder Vassar

Susan Elizabeth Gryder Vassar was welcomed into heaven on December 31, 2022 by her acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior, and the grace of a loving God. After seeing Jesus she heard him say, “Good job my faithful servant.” She is now rejoicing and shouting the victory. We can only imagine. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1957, Susan spent most of her childhood in Jackson, Mississippi. Her time at Ole Miss was made special by her Pi Beta Phi sisters — a bond that continued for her entire life on this Earth. She later met the love of her life, Jim, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. That union brought her two daughters: Blair and Shea. In March 2016, Susan was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that had spread to her brain, bones, lung, and thyroid. Because of this she was given just weeks to live. She did not accept this, instead trusting God and believing that healing is part of the salvation settled at the cross. Seven months later, and without conventional treatment, there was no active cancer. Doctors used terms like ‘miracle’ because that’s what it was: there was no medical reason for this result. Not only did Susan walk through this time with faith instead of fear, she was an example to so many that she met. She always humbly gave all the glory to God. Susan has continuously been an example of strength and courage. Many have been inspired by her unwavering trust in God. Now she has the eternal reward, not because of what she has done, but because of what Jesus did on the cross. Susan always puts others before herself and will continue to be an example that we function as conduits of love and resources from God into others. She is survived by her husband and best friend, Jim Vassar, as well as her daughters and her father, Lauch Magruder of Highlands, North Carolina. She will always be remembered by her sisters: Pam Carr of Pensacola, Florida, Sandy Scheer of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Claudia Featherstone of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Kay Magruder of Montrose, Colorado. Susan is now reunited with her mom, Jane Herndon Gryder Magruder, and her brother Jack Erwin Gryder. They are probably dancing together now on the streets of gold. We ask that if you would like to honor Susan’s earthly life that you sow seed – pay it forward – by seeing a need in your daily life and taking care of it. That could be paying for someone’s groceries, doing yard work for a neighbor in need, or buying some new shoes for a kid whose current ones are being held together with duct tape. Most importantly, have fun doing it. Helping others can bring the most abundant joy — that is a lesson that Susan taught us. Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Pkwy, Pensacola, Florida 32505 entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

Tributes

Susan Gryder Vassar

June 16, 1957 - December 31, 2022