Susan Hedgepeth Sullivan
Susan “Susu” Fortner Hedgepeth Sullivan passed away on April 27, 2022. A lifelong Memphian, Susan was the daughter of Doris and Frank Kelly Fortner. She was a graduate of White Station High School and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville where she was a member of AO? sorority. During her storied career as a preschool teacher at Christ Methodist Day School, she influenced hundreds of young minds and left her mark on countless colleagues. In recent years, Susan continued to share her gift of teaching by substituting every chance she got.
Susan, ever the epitome of health and fitness, transitioned from teaching to become the Fitness Director at the Racquet Club of Memphis. There she started the Firecracker 5K in memory of her dear friend, Libby Wilson Stooksberry. Under her direction, the race became one of the largest charity 5Ks in Memphis, supporting the life-saving work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Many know Susan as an avid runner. Her love of running led to training for, qualifying for and completing many marathons including the New York Marathon and the Boston Marathon. Susan enjoyed adventure and travel and she always packed her running shoes. Her quiet morning runs were her favorite way to explore a new city and she reported back with wonder all the exciting things she would see and do. She recently returned from Italy and had big plans to travel abroad and out west with her grandchildren.
Rain or shine, Susan never stopped running and going. She never sat idle and she never said, “no” to graciously hosting gatherings for friends, family, neighbors and colleagues that she remained close to over many years and careers. She especially and enthusiastically always said, “YES” for her children and grandchildren whom she loved endlessly. Whether it was campaigning, chaperoning or carpooling, Susu put on her running shoes and got to work.
Susan leaves behind two sons Dayton Reid (Riley) Hedgepeth and Frank Pearson Hedgepeth, their father Steve Hedgepeth, sisters Ann (Ken) Fortner Menendez and Sandra (Roy) Fortner Foley, six beautiful grandchildren whom she adored: Sidney, Dayton, Hunt, Pearson, Mary Reid and Lillian Hedgepeth, two nieces, two nephews and many, many friends.
In the end, Susu ran right into the arms of her Savior and joined her beloved husband David Sullivan in heaven. A favorite quote of his, that she truly exemplified was: “Always pray to have eyes to see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst, a mind that forgets the bad and a soul that never loses faith in God.” Let us honor her legacy by living these words each day.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at St. Michael Catholic Church on Summer Ave.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in her memory to the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management c/o University of Memphis.
Click here: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1728/c20/form.aspx?cid=1546&gid=2&pgid=688&sid=1728&bledit=1&dids=919
Or by mail to:
University of Memphis Foundation
238, PO Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38148-0001