Susan Collier Pemberton

Susan Collier Pemberton, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at the age of 67. She was born on April 12, 1958, in Memphis, Tennessee, where she grew up with her parents and two sisters.

Susan graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) with a Bachelor's degree in Business, earning honors for her hard work and dedication.

She worked at Consumer Credit Financial Services, where she helped individuals struggling with significant credit debt find their way back to financial stability. Known for her remarkable work ethic, Susan advanced to the position of internal manager, becoming second in command at the agency that provided essential assistance to those in need. Eventually, she chose to focus on her two young children and retired from her job.

Susan was an exceptional wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She loved life and brought immense joy not only to her family but also to her friends and neighbors. Her nurturing personality made her the go-to person for advice, providing support with honesty, often brutal honesty, when it was needed the most, and offering her wisdom to help others persevere through tough times. Her witty and often dry sense of humor brought smiles to many faces and could lighten even the most uncomfortable situations. She was a determined woman who knew what she wanted and had the perseverance and headstrong personality to overcome any obstacles in her way.

Susan was always eager to take trips out of town to relax on the beach where the men could golf while the ladies read and chatted on the shore with her husband and best friends, Mark and Corby Kessler. As a grandmother, she never missed a sports game, musical performance, or a chance to shower her grandchildren with love and acceptance. Susan truly embodied the spirit of putting people first, no matter what.

In addition, Susan excelled as an amateur chef, preparing delicious dinners for her loved ones even though her modest nature prevented her from openly claiming that talent. She showcased her creativity through beautiful stained-glass creations, quilts, and cross-stitch projects, which she often gifted to family and friends.

Susan was also a dog mom and took pride in indulging her dog (often over-indulging him), taking long walks, and sharing “people” food from the table. She showered her Keeni with countless stuffed animals and performed numerous "surgeries" to repair those toys. As the master of her family finances, she worked tirelessly to ensure that she and her husband could retire as they had always dreamed, even if that meant she lived a more frugal life.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents Cecil and Betty Collier, and her son Joshua Pemberton.

She is survived by her husband Jay Pemberton, daughter Jessica “Jae” Pemberton, grandchildren Finn and Sawyer Kanatzar, sisters Nancy Collier and Cathy Collier, and their multiple children and grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank all who offered kind words, support, food, and understanding during this trying time. Family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues are the village that keeps this family afloat.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, located at 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131, on Friday, May 16th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Following the visitation, there will be a gathering to continue to celebrate Susan’s life held at their home at 349 NW Rockhill Lane, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081.

In her own written words, “In lieu of flowers, donate to yourself. Use that money and spend it on something that makes you happy, meet an old friend for lunch, surprise your spouse with something, surprise your kids with something, use your imagination and make yourself happy”.

Tragically, Susan was taken too early from our lives and will be dearly missed by all those who loved her and felt her impact.