Susan K. Thomas

COLUMBIANA, OH - Profoundly deaf since the age of 18 months, Sue Thomas spent a lifetime breaking sound barriers.

Susan K. Thomas, age 72, of Columbiana, Ohio, went home to be with her Lord Jesus on Tuesday, December 13th, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Boardman Ohio.

Sue was born on May 24, 1950 in Youngstown, Ohio. She's the only daughter of the late William and late Clara Thomas. Sue was a graduate of Boardman High School, attended Ohio State, studied political science in Springfield College in Massachusetts, biblical studies at CIU in South Carolina, and psychology at Case Western Reserve.

Sue is widely known for her time working at the FBI in Washington, DC doing surveillance work as an undercover lip reader. Her life experiences were dramatized through a syndicated TV series called, Sue Thomas FBEye. She was also an author and an internationally renowned motivational speaker. Full of energy and determination, her heart's desire was to inspire and encourage people in all walks of life. She is the founder of a non-profit organization called Sue Thomas Ministries, which includes WaterBrooks, a prayer sanctuary in Vermont and also an outreach to the homeless on the streets called Operation Silent Night.

She lived a life of overcoming many challenges with grace, courage and abundant joy. She considered her greatest accomplishment in life to simply be staying in the race.

She is survived by her brother, Bob (Barb) Thomas, two other sisters-in-law, Barb Thomas and Marti Thomas, and four nephews, Billy, Bobby, Rhyde and Andy. Preceding her in death are her brothers Bill Thomas and Paul Thomas.

She will be deeply missed by her personal assistant and caregiver of 19 years, Deborah Shofstahl, and her service dog, Rodney.

A service will be held at Upper Room Fellowship, 500 Sponseller Road, Columbiana, Ohio on Monday, December 19th, 2022 at 5 pm. Calling hours are from 2 - 4 pm.

Burial will be at Waterbrooks in Vermont on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

Memorial contributions can be sent to Sue Thomas Ministries, Inc, 320 North Bayshore Drive, Columbiana Ohio, 44408 or online at www. suethomasministries.org

The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in North Lima, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one.

Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.

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

Published by Valley News on Dec. 17, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Thomas

Sponsored by Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home - North Lima.

29 Entries

Linda

March 31, 2025

We really enjoy watching the tv show and think it´s great what Sue could do.

Ralph Gunn

March 23, 2025

My wife and I really enjoyed the TV show based on her life. Our condolences

Debbie

January 2, 2025

The most beautiful series. To show how to help one another. The beautiful dog also those dogs are amazing. I watch heartland also, how the horses also help blind people we are bless by God to have all the animals that also watch over us and protect us.

Moriah

September 26, 2024

I recently got it on my heart to learn sign language and shortly after, I found the TV series Sue Thomas FBeye. I absolutely love it, especially the fact that it gives glory to God, as does the real Sue Thomas. I listened to one of her interviews online and was in tears at her testimony and how God took her deafness and used it in a powerful way. I am hearing, but learning sign and the way deaf people live and how their life looks compared to the norm is really fascinating and Sue definitely puts things into perspective when it comes to God using our weaknesses and turning them into strengths for His glory and our good. Very, very encouraging and I really hate that I never got to meet the real Sue Thomas before she passed, but just in the short amount of time I've learned about her, it's made an impact on my life. I know I'll see her and Jesus in Heaven one day.

Barbara Canute

September 20, 2024

I loved the story about Sue Thomas. She was an amazing woman!

Tina Treadway

August 9, 2024

I love the show and wish you were here to meet an amazing person

Beth

August 8, 2024

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Wayne H Wilcoxson

April 19, 2024

I was born the same year and almost the same month as her. I have under developed inner ears and am hard of hearing and cannot process all I do hear. I was a fan and an admirer. Wayne H W.

Chloe Hostetler

September 25, 2023

I watched F.B.EYE movies and she was my favorite character

Peter McMillan

February 8, 2023

I had the blessing of knowing Sue when she attended CIU. We lived in the same apartment building, so we got to see her pretty often at CIU and also at the apartment complex. It was amazing how we could carry on a conversation with her as she would read our lips. The key was to not turn our heads. I can't remember the name of her dog at the time, but the dog would let her know if someone was at the door or if the phone was ringing. Back in 1985, as I recall, she had something attached to the phone so that her family could type her a message and she then could talk back to them. I could say she had a smart phone before any of us did. I praise the Lord for her faith and example to so many.

Liana Katsios

February 2, 2023

I watched the tv years ago. I love the faith in god and amazing morals in this series. And I have just started watching the show again in order. Which then i got to find out about the real sue thomas. What an amazing woman she was. She now is with her lord. Bless you sue thomas.

Liana

Penny-Marie Wright

January 28, 2023

I used to watch the show & was always impressed at how well she & her service dog worked together. I hope Rodney will be well taken care of for the rest of his life until he goes on the Rainbow Road to be with her again.

Laurie Smith

January 25, 2023

My daughter and I watched the series about Sue several times through. I am grateful for such a positive role model for my daughter and give my condolences to your family.

June Melanson

January 21, 2023

One of my favorite TV shows of all time. I just started watching reruns of the show this week before hearing this sad news. She was an amazing woman, and she will be remembered with much warmth and love. I will be a life-long fan.

Beata

January 21, 2023

Although I've never met Sue in person and learnt about her life from the TV series and articles, I feel a strong bond with her and a huge admiration to this wonderful lady. I am Polish, living in Poland but God directed me to Sue's life story on purpose just two weeks ago and I was greatly encouraged and built up in my own struggles. Her determination and beautiful heart showed me more of Jesus in action, it inspired me to go on in life in spite of struggles. I truly am sorry I couldn't meet Sue still on earth but I am looking forward to seeing her in heaven and have a long talk. To my surprise I realized that Sue and I were born on the 24th of May, that in itself is something special for me. Sue's legacy makes an amazing impact and I promise to plant a tree in my garden in her memory in spring. Blessings and condolences to the family, and thanking God for her !

Monica Sundby

January 20, 2023

Wonderful memories of Sue Thomas and a life well lived. Until we all meet in heaven.

Love from Monica

Theresa Benson

January 10, 2023

I will enjoy meeting Sue when I get to heaven.
I watched her interview today and was blessed by
hearing her testimony.

Jesse

January 10, 2023

My Condolences.

Denise Hitchin

January 4, 2023

My condolences to Sue´s family & friends. I´m watching the TV programme for about the 5th time in the UK as I missed a few episodes, so I want to get the ones I missed. Sue was an incredible woman, and made a difference to disability in society. My own brother died suddenly 29th November so I understand the grief you´ve been feeling at this supposed jolly time.
Bless you all & remember what Sue achieved in her lifetime & the difference she made for so many & different ways. God bless you all. My heart goes out to you. Kindest Regards Denise

BMager

January 2, 2023

What a beautiful life lived for the honor of Christ! I´ve shared her testimony with others multiple times, it´s such a great picture of how God uses ordinary broken people for huge extraordinary purposes! She lived a full life! Anyone would be encouraged by her story, she truly a is a celebrity!

Martinez

December 23, 2022

What an incredible woman she was. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this difficult period.

Leeann Dry

December 21, 2022

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Barry Gant

December 18, 2022

Rest in God's everlasting love dear sister. Say hi to my Dad for me.

You have truly touched my life.

Sincerely,

Barry Gant

Charmaine Albury

December 17, 2022

For Sue´s family and friends that are left to mourn- I am so sorry for your loss & grief. Prayers for comfort from our Father .
I am overjoyed for Sue as she HEARD her Saviors sweet voice welcome her home- " thou good and faithful servant". Although I never met Sue personally, I´ve watched all of her interviews, and the Sue Thomas FBEyes numerous times. I have friends that met & sang to/with her. I WILL see her someday soon. The family of God is so sweet. What an earthly loss her departure is- not oh my! What a heavenly gain. If I lived nearby I would certainly be visiting attending the funeral home. Like we say here in the Bahamas- Wont be long now - I´ll see you soon- Sue

Roxanne Shelton

December 17, 2022

My Christian friends & I drove to White River Jct VT Church with conference of Sue Thomas in the fall 2022. I saw many videos of SUE THOMAS, FBEye. Bought her gifts, too.
RIP Sue Thomas; God bless you'll.

Springfield VT

Christina kempainen

December 16, 2022

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Judy Sees

December 16, 2022

My favorite memory is of a time I was out to lunch with Sue. We were "arguing" about who was going to pick up the tab. I said, "now, listen here..." and she came back with, "I can't listen, I'm deaf." I broke into laughter - she clearly won; how could I top that?

Agey .. Lee Ann

Planted Trees

Anna Reed

December 16, 2022

Sue was a special person. You only had to meet her once to have her touch your life. She was an inspiration to me and so many. Even though she was not doing well she came and spoke at our Lions meeting She gave a wonderful talk and her sense of humor really came through. May the Lord bless all her family and friends in this time of grief. Ann and Jim Reed Columbus, Ohio

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