Susan Panter Waggoner

Susan was born on September 24, 1940 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Most of Susan’s childhood and youth were spent in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She graduated from Kalamazoo High School in 1958. She completed an associates degree in 1960 at Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee. Susan then attended Western Michigan University, where in 1964 she earned a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education. Throughout her life, Susan shared her love for learning and children as an early elementary and preschool educator. Later in life, Susan worked part-time with students through Faulkner University’s Center for Accessibility.

In 1961, Susan married Robert Lee Waggoner. The couple have two children, James Clark Waggoner and Anita LeAnne (Waggoner) Reeves. Susan was a dedicated, loving mother. Clark and Anita have many fond memories of their mother, such as exploring the neighborhood from their strollers, listening to her read many books out loud to them, and crafting and baking cookies together. Susan enjoyed learning about nature and the world around her. She delighted in sharing that love with her children through books and music.

Susan was a Christian woman who was an active member of multiple congregations in various locations across the country. Over the years she taught many Bible classes for preschoolers and elementary students. She began teaching classes for children at church when she was thirteen years old. In recent years, she assisted with Panama Mission’s projects and organized Bible class supplies for the University Church of Christ in Montgomery, Alabama. Susan especially enjoyed participating in congregational singing. She was a kind woman who was drawn to help and encourage other women and families who were in need.

When she was not caring for family or involved with church activities, Susan enjoyed crocheting, reading, cross-stitching, and backyard bird watching. She also enjoyed listening to popular music from her younger years, as well as hymns and Christmas songs.

An unknown author has declared that "A grandma is warm hugs and sweet memories. She remembers all of your accomplishments and forgets all of your mistakes." Renee Kathleen Reeves, Ethan Bradley Reeves (Caitlyn), and Erin Grace Waggoner treasure the time they shared with Grandma Waggoner. They will miss her hugs, love, encouragement and the sweet and savory treats she always had for them.

In addition to her grandchildren, others who will cherish Susan’s memory are Robert Lee Waggoner, her loving husband of 63 years; her son, James Clark Waggoner and his wife (Tina) and her daughter, Anita LeAnne Reeves and husband, Toby; her sister-in-law Jan Green Rimer; her nephew, Brett Allen Rimer and his wife,(Jacque and her niece, Tracy Lane Hanna and husband, Ryan; and Howard Glenn Waggoner, brother-in-law.

Preceding Susan in death were her mother, Mary Kathleen (Panter) Rimer; and father, Vernon Herbert Rimer; her brother, David Allen Rimer; brothers-in-laws, Lawrence Ray Waggoner and David Neale Waggoner; and several nieces and nephews-in-law.

A visitation with family and friends will take place on Saturday, July 12th at 2 PM at the University Church of Christ, 5315 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36109. At 2:30 PM, immediately after the visitation, a memorial service, will follow, at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, any donations you may wish to make should be given to Agape

P.O. Box 230472, Montgomery, AL 36123-0472

https://www.agapeforchildren.org/donate/

Or to

Faulkner University, V.P. Black College of Biblical Studies:

5345 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery, AL 36109

https://www.faulkner.edu/academics/college-of-biblical-studies/