Sue Dee

With quick wit and a great sense of humor, Sue Dee filled her life with living. She led an enjoyable life full with love and devotion from a wonderful husband and son, along with close friendships to cherish. She savored much, especially on the golf course, and always considered herself to be a hillbilly through and through. She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

Born on January 31, 1937, Sue’s birth was a welcome event in the lives of her parents, James and Angie (Lowery) Early in the small southern community of Lawrence County, Alabama. It was an eventful year altogether as the West coast celebrated the completion of The Golden Gate Bridge while aviation pioneer and noted author Amelia Earhart’s disappearance made the news, even to this day. The explosion of the Hindenburg marked the end of the airship era and times of struggle slowly began to improve for many families as the end to the Great Depression was on the horizon.

Several years following World War II Sue’s family moved North to the Plainwell area of Michigan when she was 11 years old. With southern roots deeply embedded within her heart, Sue often referred to herself as a tried and true hillbilly. She went on to attend a Catholic girls school in nearby Grand Rapids, Michigan where she developed lasting friendships. Some time following her father’s death, Sue’s mother remarried a gentleman named James Smith when Sue was 16. She came to know and lovingly referred to him as her “Pa”.

Sue’s life took a dramatic turn one night while roller skating with some friends at the Long Lake Roller Rink. A handsome young man named Dick Dee was vying for Sue’s attention by showing off his roller skating talents. Before long, an introduction was made. They really hit it off, becoming quite smitten. Their first date was spent talking the night away in the car until they both fell asleep. In fact, they often joked over the years that they literally slept together on their very first date! Needless to say, the couple’s song became the ever popular, “Wake Up Little Suzie”.

Following their courtship, Sue and Dick shared vows of everlasting love on February 28, 1959. In time they welcomed the birth of their son Michael. Sue reveled becoming a mother and throughout the years she remained at home caring for their only child as a homemaker. The family settled in Vicksburg where Sue would remain the rest of her days. With a love for animals, there was sure to be a family dog or two in their home at any given time and at one point, Sue even had a Siamese cat she named Vegas. Mike has fond memories growing up of his mother baking in the kitchen with the smell of homemade cookies wafting throughout the house. She loved being at home and it was during these years that she developed a great passion for the game of golf.

Memorable times were spent taking pleasure in their cabin in Luther, Michigan where Sue and Dick found time to relax. They thoroughly enjoyed their time there mushrooming. Having had a wonderful sense of humor, it was a joy to be in Sue’s company. Although Sue and Dick enjoyed time together no matter what they were doing, they were each able to savor their own interests apart as well. They found enjoyment doing whatever struck their fancy, whenever they wanted, especially during their retirement years. With shared pleasure for travel, trips were savored enjoying the many sights of their destinations. They went to Florida and Hawaii twice, and also visited Mexico and Cancun. They traveled to Swan Lake, Minnesota several times with their good friends Ether and Reva Raifsnider as well as to Iowa and Rice Lake in Canada. When Dick’s health began to decline, they eventually sold their cabin in Luther. Sadly, Dick’s health took a turn, and he sadly died in February of 2002. The greatest day of Sue’s life remained the night she met Dick roller skating.

Although his death marked a difficult time in her life, Sue kept her spirit alive by continuing to keep active. Her favorite place was on the golf course. Golf was truly her passion, and she even played on three separate golf leagues. Great times were enjoyed as Sue and her son Mike shared times together on one of the leagues. Sue had such a love for the game that she was ready and available for scramble tournaments on any given weekend during the warmer months. In addition to playing golf, Sue loved time with her grandchildren and babysat them often.

Sue’s life was about living, and she did so feverishly, especially on the golf course. With a wonderful husband and son whom she shared much, she cherished the friendships she made throughout the years as well. At the age of 72, Sue died at home on Sunday, November 15, 2009. She will be forever missed and remembered.

Members of Sue’s family include her son, Mike (Mary) Dee; grandchildren, Jeff (Tania) Dee, Jennifer (Walter) Nielson and great-grandchildren, Brennan, J.T. and Walt “Shooter”. Learn more about Sue, visit with her family and friends with light refreshments and view her life story film on Tuesday from 5-7 pm at the Life Story Funeral Homes-Vicksburg, 409 S. Main St. (649-1697) where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm that evening. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday from 10-11am with Sue's service beginning at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Please visit Sue’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her guest book online before coming to the funeral home or, in lieu of flowers, make a donation to Hospice Care of SW Michigan. Sue’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Tom Wilming of K-Valley Orthopedics for his home visits and assistance to Sue and her family during her illness.