Susan Carter Smith Young, 60, of Silsbee, died Sunday, January 31, 2016, at Harbor Hospice, Beaumont. She was diagnosed with a rare cancer in October 2014.
Susan was born on July 10, 1955, to Charlcie Woods Carter and Nelwyn Carter. She grew up in Buna where she was active in high school band, was a majorette, and never missed a free-throw as she led her team to state as an All-Star basketball player. Shortly after graduating and just before her eighteenth birthday, Susan married her first love, Johnny Lee Smith. Within a few years, they welcomed two children, Ryan and Kelly, and made the move to Silsbee.
John and Susan built many successful businesses over the years, from lumber yards to real estate investments, and you could always find Susan in the office making sure operations were running smoothly. If there was a single penny out of place, you could bet she would find it! John and Susan spent twenty-three years together, until John’s death in 1996.
Two years later, Susan met and married Jesse Young. They continued the business operations for several years, and added a few others, before building a house on Toledo Bend. Susan and Jesse enjoyed living and playing on the lake, but eventually decided to sell the house, buy an RV, and travel throughout the United States.
Everyone who knew Susan knew better than to speak ill of her beloved Dallas Cowboys. Win or lose, and whether they were playing or not, she always had a Cowboys shirt or jersey on every Sunday. She was a loyal and devoted fan and made sure her grandkids were always outfitted with the latest Cowboys gear.
Susan is survived by her husband, Jesse Young, of Silsbee; son, Ryan Smith and his wife, Meeka of Benton, Arkansas; daughter, Kelly Smith of Beaumont; grandchildren, Kaleb John and Kaelynn Rylee of Beaumont, and Charlcie Rene’ and Johnny Coleman of Benton, Arkansas; sister, Ann Gerngross of Silsbee; brother, Larry Carter of Buna; nephews, Zach Gerngross and Adam Gerngross, both of Silsbee; niece, Amber Smith and her husband, Wayne, and their children, Karli and Zaryn; mother, Charlcie Carter of Buna; stepchildren, Blair Young and her daughter, Kambrey of San Angelo and Blake Young of Las Vegas, Nevada; mother-in-law, Dottie Young of Kerrville; and numerous other family members and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Nelwyn Carter; and first husband, Johnny Smith.
Words cannot express the appreciation and gratitude we feel toward Lea Hill Johnston for her care, friendship, and support. We love you.
A gathering of Susan's family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at Broussard's, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 4, 2016, at Broussard's, with her interment to follow at R.S. Farmer Cemetery, Silsbee.
Memorial contributions may be made in Susan’s memory to Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, P.O. Box 1245, Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007-9976, or visit www.ccfa.org. It was a special interest to Susan due to her grandson’s diagnosis of Crohn’s. Memorial contributions may also be made to Harbor Hospice House, 2450 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713.
