Susan Olson

1947 - 2021

Susan Jeffords Olson
December 12, 1947 - March 8, 2021
Wake Forest, North Carolina - Susan Jeffords Olson, wife of George E. "Skip" Olson, passed away on March 8, 2021, following a brief illness. A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Susan passed peacefully with family by her side.
Susan was born on December 12, 1947 in Johnson City, Tennessee to the late Dexter Martin Jeffords and Elizabeth Mackey Jeffords. She grew up in Roslyn, New York, where her father was Assistant Superintendent of Schools. After graduation from Roslyn High School in 1965, she then followed her older brother Dex to attend college at Duke University. There, while attending Nursing School, Susan met the love of her life, Skip, and the two married while both were still students at Duke. The couple had two sons and settled in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Early in her marriage, Susan worked as an administrative assistant at Duke Law School in Durham. Later, she was employed in the same capacity at Miller Orthopedic Clinic in Charlotte. Her avocation, however, and the thing that brought her the most joy was providing a wonderful, loving home for her family. Through the years, she was always there. Physically, emotionally, and in every sense – she was always there. Without fail, she was there with whatever her family needed: affection, comfort, words of wisdom, and advice. The love and dedication toward her family were constants, as were her keen sense of humor and even-keeled perspective. Susan was an avid reader of good fiction and had an uncanny knack for gardening. She was also a fierce competitor on the tennis court and successfully competed in USTA events throughout her life.
After her sons left home for college, Susan lived in Charleston, West Virginia and Malvern, Pennsylvania while Skip advanced his career with Airgas. In 2011, they moved to Wake Forest to be near their four grandchildren. Until her health failed, Susan was an avid golfer and tennis player and enjoyed time with family at Sunset Beach and Holden Beach. She loved being with her golf, tennis, book club, Mahjong, and neighborhood friends in Wake Forest and Raleigh, but Susan was happiest when with her grandkids. "Grammy" was adored and will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Her zest for life will always live in memories of her never shying from a chance to get on the floor for a game of Rummikub or to frolic on the beach or in the surf.
Susan is survived by her devoted husband of fifty-three years, Skip of Wake Forest; son and daughter-in-law Chris and Jennifer of Raleigh; son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Maria of Raleigh; grandchildren Garrett, Maila, Riley, and Luna; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother.
Arrangements are by Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Wake Forest. Online condolences may be made at BrightFunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to SPCA of Wake County, Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, or a charity of one's choice.