Susan Earle Alexander

1943 - 2024

Susan Earle Alexander
08/24/1943 - 04/13/2024
Susan Earle Alexander, of Houston, Texas, passed away at the age of 80 on Saturday the 13th of April 2024 surrounded by family.
Susan captivated every room with her striking beauty and caring heart. Her beauty and profound love of fashion began a successful and unprecedented career in the retail industry. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from Texas Tech University, she elbowed her way onto the Christmas wrapping floor at Neiman Marcus without a position to be filled. She wouldn't take no for an answer. Her persistence finally paid off when she persuaded Stanley Marcus, who was standing with Estee Lauder at the time, for a job. Susan worked with Marcus for over 13 years and eventually became his store manager, breaking ground for his Galleria store in Houston in 1969. This foundation with Marcus led Susan to a historical career in retail, clearing the glass ceiling for all that followed her. She later went on to open and become the store manager for Houston's Marshall Fields and David Sakowitz. In an environment scarce of women executives, Susan was a trailblazer and revered by all who knew her to have upstanding class, an open-door policy and never knowing a stranger.
Susan's career was always applauded and encouraged by her late husband and Houston trial attorney, Tom Alexander. So much so that Tom requested she bring her distinguished management style and serve as office manager for his new litigation firm, Alexander & McEvily in 1986. She remained a part of his team until his retirement. While her career was always steadfast, Tom and her six children Fields, Joe, Stuart, Alex, Georgia, and Susan, and twelve grandchildren were the true loves of her life. Tom, Susan, and their family enjoyed supporting the arts, especially the Houston Opera and were often seen behind their beloved Astros' home plate and Rice Owls' dugout. They loved to travel and cherished owning and operating race horses all over the U.S., especially in Kentucky where they enjoyed many a Kentucky Derby. Susan supported her husband Tom's law practice in every aspect and had many philanthropic endeavors including her involvement with the National College Football Hall of Fame, the Rotary Club of Houston, and the Vince Lombardi Award committee.
Susan is survived by her son, Fields Alexander, and his wife Jennifer; son Joe Wellborn, III, and his wife Debbie; son Stuart Alexander, and his fiancé Kendy Genovese; son Alex Wellborn, and his wife Kim; daughter Georgia Harmon, and her husband Rick; daughter Susan Parcell, and her husband Larry; and her grandchildren, Juliet Alexander, Luke Alexander, Noelle Alexander, Samantha Wellborn, Dru Wellborn, Mary Wellborn, Abagail Wellborn, Marshall Wellborn, McKee Harmon, Keely Harmon, Richard Harmon and Presley Parcell.
Susan is preceded in death by her father, Capt. Paul O. Wofford, a Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient, who died in 1945 serving his country in World War II. Susan is also preceded in death by her husband Tom Alexander; her mother Sylvelin Stobart; her sister, Mary Wofford; and her first husband Joe Wellborn, Jr.
The family would like to extend their utmost gratitude to their extended family member and dearest friend Ruby Goodwin for her lifetime of support and dedication shown to Susan and their entire family. They would also like to thank Constellation Hospice and Karma Wellness for the outstanding care given to Susan and the compassion they have shown to Susan's family during this difficult time.
The family will gather for a private memorial service.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the Rotary Club of Houston Foundation, Attn: Treasurer, P.O. BOX 22027, Houston, TX 77227-2027 or by visiting online at https://rotaryhouston.org/donate.