Suzanne Lyon

Suzie was predeceased by her parents, Richard C. Pape, Sr. and Mary Snider Pape, and her sister, Margaret “Peggy” Conlee. She left behind her husband, Jerry; her brother, Dr. Richard C. Pape, Jr.; her sisters-in-law Kathy Lowry (Jim) and Cheri Kelley (Tom) and brother-in-law Robert Lyon (Joyce); along with many nephews, nieces and dear friends.

Suzie’s productive and precious life was characterized by four loves: her love of music; her love of teaching, her love of Jerry, and far above all, her love of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Suzie’s love of music and singing began in her early childhood. Along with her brother, Richard (“Butch,” as she still called him) and her sister, Peggy, she happily sang and danced her way through numerous recitals and musicals. By her high school days, she had developed an appreciation of “serious” music and established herself as a powerful and expressive mezzo soprano. On her own financially, through scholarships and part-time jobs, she attended the University of Louisville School of Music and received her Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Vocal Pedagogy in 1968. While still in school, she was a runner-up in the regional Metropolitan Opera audition. While in Cincinnati she was a member of the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble and sang under the direction of Robert Shaw, James Conlin and many other noted choral directors.

Suzie’s love for teaching sprang from necessity. While Jerry was in the Air Force, a second income was a must! When one of the schools to which she applied called to offer her a position as an itinerant music teacher— though she had no previous experience or training in public school education—she boldly and courageously accepted the position and began three days later. To her surprise, she loved kids and loved teaching them to use their voices and to appreciate good music. After their Air Force days, Jerry and Suzie moved back to Louisville and she landed another elementary music education position. When Jerry’s job required a move to Cincinnati, she continued her teaching career, but this time with Middle School students. Several summers were spent earning her Master of Music in education from Miami of Ohio. Quickly becoming the music department head of her middle school, she developed—from scratch—a superb choral music program. Reluctantly, she retired from teaching after 44 years and a long series of superior ratings with her choirs. Even after her retirement, she served as an adjudicator in state Solo and Ensemble competitions. Suzie’s professionalism and enthusiasm were lauded throughout Ohio.

Suzie’s love for Jerry—and his love for her—began while they were seniors at Atherton High School. A year after Jerry’s entering the Air Force, they were married—the two became one new person in Christ—a oneness which they believe will continue throughout eternity.

Finally, and most importantly, Suzie’s love for Jesus began shortly after meeting Jerry. Chosen before the foundation of the world and regenerated by the Holy Spirit, she was led to Christ in 1968, was baptized by Jerry’s father, and grew in His knowledge, love and grace throughout their marriage of almost 58 years. During their 49 years in Cincinnati, especially important to Jerry and Suzie’s growth in Christ was their small group ministry, which they hosted in their home for many of those years. Since they returned to Louisville in 2017 and joined St. Francis in the Fields, Suzie has been an active member of the choir and their Daughters of the King chapter.

The joy that Suzie brought to every situation and relationship will be missed by all who were privileged to know her.

A visitation will be held at St. Francis in the Fields, 6710 Wolf Pen Branch Rd, Prospect, Kentucky 40059, on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, followed by a funeral service in Suzanne's honor beginning at 10:30 am. Suzanne will be laid to rest privately in Resthaven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, can be donations to St. Francis in the Fields or to Samaritans Purse.