Photo courtesy of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory - Radford
Radford, Virginia
Suzanne Ashby Learn, 80, entered Heaven peacefully early in the morning of July 15, 2015. She was a native of New Orleans, LA, born July 24, 1934, and made her home the last 42 years in Radford, VA. She was the youngest of three children born to Mr. Antonio Ashby and Mrs. Ida Bruno Ashby. She graduated with honors from Sophie B. Newcomb College in New Orleans, and received her Master?s in Education from Tulane University, with 30 hours towards her doctorate. An elementary school teacher of 38 years in the City of New Orleans and Radford Public School Systems, Suzanne was a passionate advocate for education, the poor and social causes that affected her communities. She retired from teaching in 2001, and devoted this time to her family and friends. A wonderful cook and entertainer at her home, this is what made Suzanne most happy, and this was nowhere more apparent than when her granddaughters came to visit. Kind, caring and compassionate, she was a strong and beautiful woman, family member and friend to those who knew her.
Suzanne was preceded in death by her father, Antonio, her mother, Ida, and her husband, Dr. William Maurice Learn. She is survived by her eldest brother Richard Ashby, and his wife Janis, of Baton Rouge, LA; brother Eugene Ashby, and his wife Carolyn, of Hartwell, GA; her son, Eugene Christopher Ashby Learn; daughter-in-law, Nicole Larson Learn; granddaughters, Elizabeth Ashby Learn and Isabella Larson Learn; and nearly 20 nieces, nephews and cousins throughout the United States.
Funeral Mass will be held at 3 pm Monday, July 20 at St. Jude?s Catholic Church, 1740 Tyler Rd, Christiansburg, VA 24073 with Rev. Jaroslaw "Jarek" Nowacki, officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Mausoleum, 5555 Lee St, Dublin, VA 24084. The family will receive friends from 5 pm to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory, 120 West Main Street, Radford, VA
The Learn family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
Chris,
It was wonderful working with your mom for a few years at Belle Heth. She made me feel right at home as a new librarian. I loved hearing her tell stories. I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherri Quesenberry
Sherri Quesenberry
July 22, 2015 | Pulaski, VA
Chris, it was my privilege to know and teach with your mother. I remember fondly the times we spent together and the laughter she brought with her stories. It was good to hear of your daughters. I imagine they brought her great joy. I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ann Baker
July 21, 2015 | Winston-Salem, NC
Chris,
I taught at Belle Heth with your mother for a couple of years. She was very energetic, very friendly, and very proud of you.
Gloria Moses
July 20, 2015
Chris, As you may remember, your mom was my mentor at Kuhn Barnett. She and your dad were gracious and kind to me, both helping me grow as a teacher. They occupy a very special place in my heart. My deepest sympathies to you and yours as well as regrets that I cannot be with you today. Love, Lee
Lee Slusher
July 20, 2015 | Radford, VA
Rip Mrs learn.you was one of my alltime favorite teachers of my life and always treated me so special.I'll never forget you calling me sweetie pie all year in 5th grade.it made me shy back then but when I look back you really had I huge part of my life.thank you and prayers for all your family and loved ones
michael collins
July 19, 2015 | Radford, VA
Chris and Family,
We are sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was our neighbor for many years and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim and Sandy Tynan
July 18, 2015 | Radford, VA
Dear Chris
Sue was my cousin and we were very close for many years.
Janice told me she was ill but so sorry to learn of her passing. Have great memories of her. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Hilda Theriot
July 17, 2015
Dear Chris, I remember your mother very fondly. She was even my teacher in third grade and there were no exceptions for family. I haven't seen her in a long time but she was in my thoughts. I also heard from Richard and Janice recently that she was sick. I am so sorry and my prayers are with you and your family. Love Leslie Theriot Perez
Leslie Perez
July 16, 2015 | Miami, FL
Dear Chris and Family, I had just spoken with Janis Ashby about your mom in recent weeks. I am so very sorry to hear of her passing. She was a wonderful godmother and I have such fond childhood memories. She is now with your dad, Bill and many others, who loved her. Hope you can find peace in knowing this. (She was so proud of you!)
Anne Dominguez
July 16, 2015 | Covington, LA
