Susie Mae Hough

Obituary
Susie Edwards Hough died quietly at home surrounded by family members on
March 23, 2023, just a few blocks from her birthplace 95 years earlier in
Gainesville, Fla. She enjoyed a happy childhood with her parents, Harry and Susie
(Sapp) Edwards, and her older sister, Helen. She attended grammar and secondary
school within walking distance of home. She was a good student and approached
her homework seriously with the same dedication as other tasks she completed in
life.
Although living in Florida most of her life, she was never fond of hot weather, so
swimming in cold water was a lifelong joy and passion. Her father, family and
friends built a cabin at Salt Springs in the Ocala National Forest and she spent
countless days enjoying that aspect of old Florida. She loved classic movies and
spent many childhood hours in the Lyric Theater along with other Gainesville
youth watching horse operas and feature films for a dime. Her daughters
considered her a film historian with a wealth of knowledge about "good" movies,
actors, actresses and many of their behind-the-scenes adventures.
Susie attended Stetson University for one year. She enjoyed getting to know her
dorm mates, and some remained in touch throughout her life. After college she had
a few jobs in Gainesville and worked at the Pentagon briefly during World War II.
Her favorite job was working in the office at the Ralph Stoutamire Motor
Company in Gainesville.
Throughout her life, God and family were always Susie's highest priorities. She
attended First Baptist Church in Gainesville during her early years and met her
future husband, Donald Hough, on the steps of that church. He was from Smith
County, Mississippi, and was attending the University of Florida after his military
service. They dated intermittently due to Don's prior commitment to return home
so his brother could attend college. They both dated other people during the
interim but stayed in touch through infrequent letter writing. Upon his return to the
University of Florida, they reconnected and, after his graduation, married in 1952.
They were married for 59 years, until his death in 2011. They began married life in
Mississippi briefly but returned to Alachua County for the remainder of their lives.
In addition to the joys of her life mentioned above, she loved playing the piano,
singing, listening to music, reading, and playing cards (especially Rook). Late in
life, she learned to crochet and liked altering patterns with design improvements.
During her recent illness, Susie still had vivid memories of her past and wove rich
images to entertain and share with family and friends. She enjoyed sharing good
stories from her 95 years of life. The visits with family brightened her world.
She is survived by her daughters Donna Hough and Suzanna Hough; grandchildren
Bethany Wilcox, Callie Richardson and Emerson Hough; great-grandchild
Theodore Ziebko; nephew Farley P. Butler, Jr.; and niece Sharon Wheeler.
She was preceded by her husband, Donald M. Hough; her parents, Harry C.
Edwards and Susie Sapp Edwards; and her sister, Helen E. (Farley) Butler. A
graveside service will be on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 10:45 a.m. at Forest
Meadows Central Cemetery at 4100 NW 39 th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32606.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent on behalf of Susie
to: gentlecarouseltherapyhorses.com, or Make a Wish of North Florida at
secure2.wish.org.