Susan Patricia Garner

Susan Patricia Trotman Garner, of Decatur, passed away at age 89 on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at UAB after a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Roselawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 1:30 until 3:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. Public burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.

Sue was born and raised in Decatur to the late Sam and Lucille Trotman. A graduate of Decatur High School, she married Benton Garner in 1958 and devoted her life to her family. For 29 years, she lovingly cared for her husband through Parkinson’s disease and later dementia, providing unwavering devotion, patience, and grace.

She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who lived to "brag" on her grandchildren. An avid sports fan, Sue was a dedicated Decatur Red Raider fan and a loyal Atlanta Braves supporter. However, her most faithful loyalty remained with her Auburn Tigers—she never missed a chance to wear her orange and blue on game days and cheer them on with a spirited "War Eagle!"

Her faith was her cornerstone. A charter member of Memorial Baptist Church, Sue served for many years as the church secretary and a children’s Sunday School teacher. Since 2014, she has been a member of Vestavia Hills Baptist Church. Her commitment to ministry was most evident through the Gideons International (Morgan East Camp Auxiliary), where she served faithfully for 53 years in all leadership roles.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Lucille Trotman; her husband, Benton Garner; and her sisters, Peggy Breeding, Betty Davis, and Pearl Ackaouy.

She is survived by her son, Steve Garner of Decatur; daughter, Stephanie Woods (Leigh) of Huntsville; grandchildren, Jonathan Woods, Emily McBride, Lauryn Bullard, and Thomas Garner; great-grandchildren, Annie and Josie McBride and Ezra Woods; sisters, Mary Jo Nelson (Rick) and Gail Peete (Joe); sister-in-law, Sue Garner; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Sue will be remembered for her servant’s heart, her resilient spirit, and her signature sign-off to those she loved: “Consider yourself hugged.”