Suzanne Wilson "Suzie" Ely

Suzanne "Suzie" Wilson Ely, 83, passed away on April 18, 2024, in Gainesville, Ga., after waging a valiant effort in her four-year battle against Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Suzie was born in Athens to Clifford E. and Mariotis K. Wilson on Oct. 16, 1940. She attended Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, where she met and married Carl Ronald "Ron" Ely. Ron's basketball coaching career took them to Chattanooga, Blue Ridge, Ga., Sylva, N.C., Canton, Ga., and Gainesville (East Hall HS, Lakeview Academy). Suzie, well known for her competitiveness, was the ultimate coach's wife and supporter throughout. Her first love though was tennis and she was on the court whenever possible participating in ALTA and USTA leagues until age 80. Suzie was predeceased by her parents and was still mourning the recent losses of both her eldest brother, C.E. "Pete" Wilson of Dalton, Ga., and her husband Ron in late 2023. She is survived by daughters, Cynthia "Cindy" Ely Angelich (Paul) of St. Simons Island, Ga., Jennifer "Lyn" Ely Swackhamer (Bill) of Littleton, Colo., and Deborah "Debbie" Kay Wilson (Johnny) of Dahlonega, Ga. Suzie is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Alaynna Swackhamer Green (Mark), Eddie Baker (Dia), Michael Baker, Emily Swackhamer, Laura Angelich (Pavan Rajgopal), Katarina Swackhamer Perkins (Ben), Kristen Baker, Claire Angelich, Josh Baker (Emilee), Jason Angelich, Keely Baker and Johnathan Baker; and nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Suzie's sister, Marilyn Wilson, and her brother and sister-in-law, Ben and Cynthia Wilson, all of Athens; her brother-in-law, Larry Ely of Ft. Worth, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. The family extends their utmost gratitude to the staff and management of Manor Lake Assisted Living in Gainesville for the loving care and attention received by Suzie and Ron. Visitation was held at Little & Davenport Funeral Home from 2 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 21, with a brief celebration of memories from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory of Gainesville, Ga., was in charge of arrangements.