Susan Rubush Jackson, 68, passed away on November 5, 2024 after a nearly decade-long battle with ALS. Her indomitable spirit, loving family and friends, and dedicated caregivers helped her fight courageously to live her life until the very end.
Susan was born in Staunton, VA to adoring parents, William “Bill” Rubush and Jean Heavener Rubush. She spent most of her childhood in Staunton and in Wytheville, VA and graduated from Robert E. Lee High school with honors. Susan trained in cosmetology at Staunton Beauty School and was a talented cosmetologist, owning her own salon in Johns Creek for over 20 years.
After moving to Atlanta in the early 80’s, she met her husband Mike through mutual friends. Her pride and joy were their two children, Brooke and Chase. The Jackson house in Milton was often filled with family and friends, and Susan always made guests feel right at home. She managed all of this, all while successfully owning and operating her busy hair salon.
Following retirement, Susan and Mike moved to the Gulf Coast, then finally settled in Jacksonville, FL to be near their children and the Mayo Clinic.
Susan is survived by her husband of 40 years, Mike Jackson, her two children Chase Jackson (Jennifer) and Brooke Thors (Nick), and two grandchildren Carter Jackson and Charlotte Jackson. She is also survived by her brother, Shannon Rubush, two Aunts, Betty Gregory and Shirley McLain, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and close friends who have become family.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on November 30, 2024, at Alpharetta Presbyterian Church in Alpharetta, GA. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service. Interment will take place in the spring of 2025, at Thornrose in Staunton, VA.
A long-time philanthropist in private, Susan requested, in lieu of flowers, donations to the following charitable organizations in her memory: St. Jude Children’s hospital, The Team Gleason ALS Organization, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, or your local shelter for women and children.
