Susan Beth Plummer

Susan was born November 11th, 1952, in Edinburg, IL, the beloved daughter of Robert Lincoln Pearson and Gloria Jean Pearson (Muncy). Growing up, Susan loved two things: dancing and baseball. She danced on an episode of The Howdy Doody Show with her older brother, Tim, and after graduating high school she attended Colorado State University as a Dance major. A life-long fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, Susan was in attendance for Stan "The Man" Musial's final home game in 1963, and could recall players and games from each of their World Series-winning teams as if it had happened yesterday. Needless to say, she passed her love of dance and baseball onto her children.

In 1973, Susan married James Watson Plummer, which meant she also married the U.S. Air Force. Still just 20, she set out on an adventure that would take her to Alabama, back to Illinois, off to Germany, to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, before finally landing in Collierville. Susan left a lasting impression at every stop, whether it was as a member of the Pinworms Bowling team in Wiesbaden, playing softball in Basking Ridge, working at the FedEx call center in Doylestown, or as an avid tennis player in Tennessee. But it was in 1976, and again in 1978, that Susan found her true calling: Mom.

No words can properly express what Susan meant to her children. She was a teacher, a confidant, and a coach. She was so full of joy, and love, and laughter, that all the kids' friends from an early age all the way through college, wanted to come over and hang out. She put her heart and soul into parenting, and was her kids' number one fan. She attended every show of a six-week run of Carousel, starring her daughter. Over fourteen years of her son playing baseball, she missed just a single game when she was in the hospital with a broken ankle. Capable of being stern when necessary, Susan perfectly embodied the encouraging, supportive mother with infectious enthusiasm and an innocent sense of not having it any other way. Mom, we love you so much. Thank you.

In 1991, the trajectory of Susan's life was altered when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Although her mobility was greatly affected, and it meant the end of her athletic career, Susan never complained. She found a new hobby, Bridge, and with it her greatest group of friends. Susan became a Bridge Master, something she was rightfully very proud of, and enjoyed playing the game into her final days. Later in life she embraced a new role--loving grandmother--and she took particular pleasure in watching her five grandkids' athletic endeavors, even remotely. "Grammy" was quick to laugh at herself, and this endeared her to everyone that knew her.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents Bob and Gloria. She is survived by her older brother, Tim Pearson (Carlos) and younger brother John Pearson (Carol); her son T.J. Plummer (Dana) and their three children Sloane (11), Declan (9), and Lincoln (7); and her daughter Andrea Guardenier (Ben) and their two children Emeline (13) and Pearson (8).

A Celebration of Life for Susan will be held Saturday, April 4th, at 10:00 am, at Collierville Funeral Home, followed by a catered reception from 11:00-1:00. Visitors are encouraged to celebrate Susan and Easter, her favorite holiday, by wearing Spring colors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, whose work is vital.