Susie L. Rowan

Susie L Smith-Rowan, age 84 was born to the late Wade and Eliza J. Smith, July 8,1936 in Eutaw, Alabama and later relocated to Dayton, Ohio at the age of 17. Susie was the oldest child and daughter of her mom’s (Mu) eight children. After moving to Dayton, she attended and graduated from Roosevelt High School. After graduating Susie attended Miami Valley School of Cosmetology and became a Licensed Beautician in the early 60’s then attended Miami Valley School of Nursing and Food and Health Administration where she received her Certificate of Completion in Food Administration as a Dietitian working in the Main kitchen at Miami Valley Hospital. She left M.V.H. and became Head Cook and Manager of Shields Bar-B-Q on Germantown St. After years of service with Shields, Susie left and returned back to M.V.H. as a Dietitian Aid on 4 West Gallery where she retired.

Susie loved her family with a kind spirit, cooking, baking, sewing, various arts and crafts, dressing, traveling (Treasurer of the Johnny Taylor Traveling Fan Club) in Dayton, bowling, singing and last and definitely NOT least BINGO! That became her job before after she retired.

Susie accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Freewill Primitive Baptist Church at that time under the leadership of Rev. Andrew J. Johnson, Sr. and was a lifelong member of the Senior-Adult Choir (2nd) Alto, until her health permitted her no more. February11,1961 she married the late Oliver W. Rowan “Doug” and to that union came her beloved and faithful daughter.

On Friday, February 5, 2021, Susie L. Smith-Rowan transitioned from this life surrounded with the love of her family to be in the presence of the Lord. She was also preceded in death by one brother; Elie E. Smith, one sister; Lesia D. Smith, special brother- in- law; Hermie Rowan, three nephews; Antuan D. Smith, Jamal M. Smith and Kevin D. Smith and one great-neice; Kaitlin J. Smith-Davis, and a special lifelong friend; Lois Rice.

Susie leaves to cherish precious memories and to celebrate her wonderful life, her beloved, devoted and faithful daughter DeVera L. Rowan, her world, her life her grandson Myles W. Brown, her new arrival, her Ole Thang her great-grandson Kannon Brown whom she never had a chance to hold but loved and welcomed his existence, two Brothers; Jesse and Jeffery Smith, three Sisters; Catherine (James) Marsh of Davenport, FL, Delois A. Smith of Eutaw, AL and Stephanie Godwin. sister-in-law Henri R. Brown, best friends; Alvenia Adams and Annie Franklin. A host of nieces, great nieces, great-great nieces, nephews, great nephews, great-great nephews, cousins, extended family members and special friends.

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