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Susannah Jeffers Obituary

Susannah died on Sunday, June 26th after a valiant battle with cancer. She is survived by her sisters Deborah Wishner and Michall Jeffers Warner, and her brother-in-law, John Warner.
Susannah was a well-loved, well-respected, deeply knowledgeable entertainment attorney and a remarkable human being. A graduate of Wheaton College and Tulane University Law School, she began her legal career as a member of Texaco's International Petroleum Negotiation team. She moved to Los Angeles in 1988 to pursue a major change in her focus - to the entertainment arena.
Thirty four years later, Susannah was recognized throughout the industry as a highly experienced entertainment lawyer with a deep understanding of guild and union issues that very few could rival. She worked in television (scripted and unscripted), digital media, and motion picture business and legal affairs. Susannah handled transactional, talent (above and below the line), development, production, post-production, finance and distribution deals for many of the industry's most sophisticated entertainment clients.
In her role as Entertainment Counsel at Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP, Susannah was an important contributor to the growth of their entertainment group and practice. A consummate team player and a passionate and committed teacher/mentor, she never turned down an offer to assist a colleague or to meet a client's needs. She took intense pride in the growth of the entertainment group and the quality of work being produced.
Prior to joining DWT in 2018, Susannah had an impressive resume of senior-level positions at major studios, networks, and law firms, including serving as Vice President of Legal Affairs at ABC Studios (The Walt Disney Company), Senior Counsel at both Turner Entertainment Group Inc. (Time Warner), and Twentieth Century Fox Television (News Corp.), and had responsibility for significant matters at both Universal Pictures and Loeb & Loeb.
In her personal life, Susannah was an accomplished astrologer of long standing. She enjoyed all sorts of music, great food, and finding new restaurants, and she loved sharing her discoveries. Susannah also loved classic cars, dogs, and sports, particularly football, and had an encyclopedic knowledge of the teams, the players, their stats and status.
Susannah was sweet, kind, funny, and consistently upbeat and grateful, even when facing her illness. She continued to share her enthusiasm for life with her many friends and family.
For all who knew her, Susannah remains a beautiful spirit: brave, brilliant, full-of-life, determined, cherished, irreplaceable, and unforgettable.
Donations in her name may be made to Providence Saint John's Cancer Institute or to Tulane Law School. A memorial celebration of life will be planned.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Jul. 24, 2022.

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Mara S.

June 5, 2025

Susannah was prescient and kind. When we met she said, "I have a good feeling about this!" And gave me her card. I went on to option my script and she closed the deal. Miss you Susannah! And think of you often.

Robert Gonzalez

May 9, 2025

My name is Robert Gonzalez and I became acquainted with Susannah when we both worked at Management Company Entertainment Group. This company was founded by Jonathan Krane who also managed John Travolta. I always remember Susannah as a very friendly and intelligent person who enjoyed her job and the people she worked with. We attended many work functions and once she invited me to watch a Dodger game. She had two tickets right behind home plate when the seats were at eye level with the playing field. I remember much about that game and was happy to be able to spend time with Susannah. She will be missed.

Mary E Caulfield

September 20, 2023

Please accept my condolences. I have just read about Susannah's death. She was a generous friend to all at Wheaton. In 2009 she drove to Anaheim to take me out to lunch when I was in town for a conference, and I remember the beautiful afternoon and great conversation. I'm sure that the wonderful things she did for others will live on.

Bill Roach

July 18, 2023

Godspeed Susannah from Bill your Texaco friend.

Hannah Chun Welsh

August 8, 2022

I was so saddened to read of Susannah´s passing. I first met her when she was an upperclassman to me at Cushing Academy and she warmly welcomed me when I followed at Wheaton College. I enjoyed seeing her when she came East to visit family. Prayers and condolences to her family and friends. I pray she´s resting peacefully as she so richly deserves.

Lorna Badeo

August 1, 2022

So sad to hear about Susannah. She was always so kind and handled herself with such grace. I enjoyed having the opportunity to work with her on productions when she was representing the production side, while I was on the labor side. Sometimes things can get contentious, but Susannah was as kind as she was classy and, super smart to boot. Blessed to have had some time with her and broken some bread with her.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Valerie Woods

Planted Trees

Sandra Ortiz

July 28, 2022

I worked alongside Susannah during her years at Twentieth Century Fox Television. She was always upbeat, funny, caring and could be relied on to provide accurate advice and hard work. I lost touch with Susannah, unfortunately, when we both left TCFTV, and am so sorry to find out that she has left us so soon. My condolences to her family.

Marcia Kadish

July 26, 2022

What a beautiful tribute to your sister. She had quite an impressive background. I knew some but not all. Wrapping Susannah´s family in a blanket of love and healing.

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