Susan C. Smith
Susan Clifford Smith died August 10, 2017 at her home after experiencing declining health for several years.
She was born February 13, 1947 to the late Allan Clifford and Marjorie Ruth (Hodgson) Smith in Akron, Ohio, where she grew up before leaving to go to college. She obtained both a bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Washington University and made St. Louis her home. She pursued an academic career as a sociology professor who loved the task of shaping young minds. She taught classes at her alma mater as well as at a few community colleges in the area.
Susan was truly a child of the 60s and will be remembered as a person who stood up for equal rights and against the Vietnam War, which was often a difficult position to take in those days. She loved art, music, and books and had a flair for decorating.
Susan is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, William and Linda Smith of Mount Vernon, Ohio; sister, Marnie Smith of Boston, nieces and nephews, Courtney and Andrew (Olivia) Smith, Lindsay (Wes) Mackey, Martha, Emma and Abigail Simmons.
Susan will be buried at Oak Grove Cemetery in a private family ceremony
I am in total shock at this moment and guilt is filling me. Susan and I were very good friends for my early years of being in St. Louis in early 90’s. We had a major falling out many years later and I did not contact her until just this past year or so. I went to her apartment, I cried. She cried. We stayed in touch after that… though I was busy and I admit I didn’t contact but at the end of my semester working… we had plans to get some old friends together. I didn’t stay on it.
I am so sad. She was nothing but good and patient towards me and I let her down. She once told me to please stay in touch with her… even if our friendship ended…. because she didn’t want to die alone. I said that I would. I had been trying to call in Fall. But here it is February. My God. I was not there. I am so so so sorry. Please tell me where Oak Grove Cemetery is. I have heard her speak of “Marnie” though I do not recall… I just know the name… SO many stories would come from her. So many. I cannot believe it is February. Susan, please forgive me. x
I just learned this news and I’m so sorry. I worked with Susan at SCC. I will miss her.
I made a brief post earlier today because I was simply too stunned to say more.
Susan was my friend for many years. I’m so sorry that our communication lapsed recently, which is why I didn’t realize what had happened. I’m kicking myself for not reaching out sooner. I can’t believe it took me this long to find out. We hadn’t been talking on the phone as often since she was having trouble hearing. I will miss our lunches and long chats…we helped each other through some difficult times. She could be challenging to get along with 🙂 but being patient with her was worth it. I’m sure that for every person she frustrated with her directness there were twice as many who appreciated her for it and learned from her. I’m glad she was part of my life, and I’m so very sorry she’s gone.