Susan Garnham Ramsey, 69, of Beaumont, died February 15, 2015, of complications from a debilitating stroke suffered more than four years ago. Susan was born July 5, 1945, in Beaumont, Texas, to Sue Buck Garnham and Harry Launce Garnham. She was a member of the 1963 graduating class of Beaumont High School. Susan attended Lamar University, where she met her beloved husband Cullen, and graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers’ Association, Beaumont Country Club, and Dunwoody Country Club in Atlanta, Georgia, and was an alumna of Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country.
She is survived by her loving husband, Cullen Paxton Ramsey; daughter, Romney Ramsey Velazquez and her husband, Dr. Andrew Joseph Velazquez, of Birmingham, Alabama; son, Cullen Paxton Ramsey, Jr. and his wife, Erica Ramsey, DVM, of Devers, Texas; grandchildren, Kade Ramsey, Madeline Ramsey, Haidyn Ramsey, Skylar Ramsey, Sydney Velazquez and Lauren Velazquez. Susan is also survived by her brother-in-law, James S. Ramsey, Jr., whom she affectionately called “Brother Man,” and his wife, Mary Stewart Ramsey; nephews, Kevin P. Ramsey and James S. Ramsey III; niece, Rosemary Ramsey Stewart; and very special friend, Chris Newman.
She was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Cecil K. Boyt; and brother, Harry Launce Garnham, Jr.
Susan was always athletic. Her sorority sisters still recall her skill as a quarterback on their college “powder-puff” football team. She was an avid golfer, tennis player, skier, and softball player; and fan of all sports and all things country and western and cowboy. A reasonably talented country singer, she even sang at her own 40th birthday party. She would travel unreasonable distances to attend a George Strait concert.
Susan possessed an inner core of strength and determination that allowed her to smooth out a few “speed bumps” in her life. That character trait and a few miracles helped her survive some extremely serious cardiovascular issues over the years, including the stroke that contributed to her untimely death. In addition, Susan will be remembered by all who knew her for an all-encompassing love of people. Her door was always open and her arms welcoming. Her joy in all of life was contagious and irresistible, whether she was hosting a large gathering, trading reminiscences with old friends, or playing a practical joke—one of her favorite activities. As Cullen said, “She is leaving such a lasting legacy of laughter and warmth that if we don't all come away better and more enriched from it, we just weren't listening.”
The family wishes to thank Leatrice Johnson, companion and aide for Susan and her mother for forty-four years; Bridget Franklin, who cared for Susan so diligently after her stroke; and the incredible caring staff at Christus Hospital-St. Elizabeth, especially the team of professionals in the ICU for the past weeks.
A memorial service and celebration of Susan’s life will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 2, 2015, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A reception will follow in the church parlor until 12:00 p.m. The family would like everyone to join them for a Celebratory lunch following the reception, at 1:00 p.m., at 7 L Ranch, 4740 Highway 61, Devers, Texas 77538
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made in Susan’s name to Texas Heart Institute, Development Office MC 3-117, P.O. Box 20345, Houston, Texas 77225-0345; Development of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Suite 190, Spain Rehabilitation Center, 1717 6th Avenue South, Birmingham, Alabama 35233 – Attn: Yvonne Akins; or to TIRR Memorial Hermann, 1333 Moursund Street, Houston, Texas 77030.
