Obituary: SUZANNE FORBES HOWARD
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Suzanne Forbes (Suzy) Howard passed away peacefully at her home on Monday evening August 12, 2024.
Suzanne is survived by her son Thomas VanNess (Van) Howard, niece Julia Allene (Julie) Redding and brother-in-law Robert (Bob) Graham. She was preceded in death by her daughter Sarah Suzanne (Sally) Howard, her husband of 48 years Kenneth Van (Ken) Howard, her parents Dr. Thomas Earl (Rabbit) and Julia Doub (Judy) Forbes and her sister Julia Parker Graham.
Suzy was a lifelong and active member of the Reidsville community. She was born at Reidsville Hospital during WWII on November 30, 1942. She attended high school with extended family nearby in Winston-Salem at Salem Academy. She attended Centenary Preparatory Academy for Women in New Jersey for 2 years and completed her B.A. in education at Salem College in 1964. Her first teaching job was at the newly minted NC School of the Arts now UNCSA. Suzy moved back to Reidsville in 1966 to teach Spanish at her alma mater, Reidsville High School, where she was a most beloved educator for over 25 years.
Suzy married Ken on September 30, 1967. Ken was a 1951 graduate and football champion of Reidsville High before he served in the US Army in Germany and attended Guilford College and then returned to Reidsville to settle down at the American Tobacco Company.
Suzy was deeply loved by all who knew her. Mother, caretaker, teacher, friend, Christian – it is impossible to choose a title for the woman we knew. She was joyous and gregarious and always fully present when she was needed. A devoted member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church for her entire life she served as a member of the Vestry, Choir and Altar Committee. Whether the ADK Teacher’s Sorority, the Reidsville Junior Service League or Garden Club – Suzy was engaged and exuberant.
Suzy treasured her trips to Spain every 2 years with her Spanish students throughout the 1970s and 80s and her students never let her forget their memories of those special days. She was a fabulous cook and needlepoint whiz. She was passionate about her sports – Wake Forest (1 aspirin and ½ a glass of white wine during play off games) the Cubs, Yankees and Braves. Holidays were her absolute favorite, especially Christmas. Throughout her life Suzy had a drive and optimism through adversity that was infectious. Those of us who benefited from her eternally bootstraps up, positive outlook will forever be indebted.
Throughout the past four years her friends, colleagues and neighbors never forgot her or those who cared for her. Renee Caulder was her best friend and caretaker for the last 2 1/2 years. Dear friend Jerry Garrett brought and served Communion to Suzy on Sundays whenever possible. Thank you to the entire Oakcrest Drive community and Ancora Compassionate Care (formerly Hospice of Rockingham Co.). Suzy loved her community deeply and was loved and cared for in return throughout her days.
Citty Funeral Home is assisting the Howard family.
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