Susan Spratling

Peggy “Susan” Spratling

July 22, 1946 - May 7, 2025

Susan was born near Tifton, Georgia to Billy and Mattie Sumner. The youngest of nine children, she was especially close to her mother. After graduating from Tift County High School and working for a brief time in Tifton, she and her mother decided to move to Atlanta.

In 1968, she met a young man while picking up her mother from her work at a local daycare center, where his mother also worked. He was in the Army in California, but after meeting they became pen pals and talked as much as they could. By the time he was discharged from the Army later that year, they knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. After 58 years of marriage, they proved their instincts were right. Their only child, a daughter, was born in February of 1971.

After working in the Atlanta area in several positions, including inventory control, bookkeeping, payroll and billing, Susan decided to take continuing education courses and then go into public service. She volunteered as a Pink Lady at Clayton General Hospital and also became the Career Center Director in the Vocational Department of Morrow Senior High School.

In addition to working, God was always an important part of her life. Over the years Susan attended and became a member of Eldorado Baptist Church in Tift County, Pinecrest Baptist Church in Morrow, Georgia, and the First Assembly of God in Forest Park, Georgia. When the family moved to Northeast Georgia, they attended several churches in the Athens area, but due to her breast cancer treatment, numerous surgeries to her neck, shoulder and back, and several debilitating chronic health problems, they never joined any new churches.

We know now that Susan is no longer in pain and is happy again basking in God’s love and light. She is hugging her mother and siblings who preceded her into Heaven. We take solace in the fact that the enormous void we feel in our hearts and lives will be filled when we see her again, just as she believed.

She is survived by her husband, Danny Spratling, daughter, Andrea Stewart, son-in-law, Brian W. Stewart, and grandson, Jackson Stewart. She is also survived by her brothers Gene (Faye) Sumner and Wendell (Annette) Sumner and numerous nieces and nephews from all over the Southeastern United States.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please donate in Susan’s name to a mental health support organization which contributes to the study and support of individuals in crisis situations. Our suggestions are below.

Project Semicolon - projectsemicolon.com

National Alliance on Mental Illness - namiga.org

Alliance of Hope - allianceofhope.org

Thank you all for your love and support at this difficult time.

Love,

Danny Spratling and Andrea Stewart

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com