Carol "Sue" Coyner

Born on September 20, 1936, in Longview, Texas, Sue was a spirited tomboy from the start—riding horses, playing basketball, fishing the creeks behind her childhood home, and shadowing her brothers, Pine and Jimmy. Her Texas upbringing instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for hard work, service, and resilience.

Following in the footsteps of her beloved mother, Sue pursued a career in nursing, attending the same nursing school her mother had. While in school in Dallas, she met the love of her life, Richard. Their shared dreams quickly took root, and upon graduation, Sue joined Richard in Tampa, Florida, where they began building a life together. She worked tirelessly as an ER trauma nurse, ward nurse, and in private practice, before stepping away from her career to raise their son, Craig.

In 1966, the young family settled in Tallahassee, Florida, in a home they built on Sandhurst Drive—where Sue lived for over five decades. She later returned to the medical field as a dedicated volunteer “Pink Lady” at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, a role she cherished.

Sue and Richard also found joy on the Gulf Coast, purchasing a humble two-story block house in Mexico Beach that they named “Above the Sand.” It became not just a weekend retreat, but a second home and labor of love. Together, they poured their time and hearts into restoring and expanding the property, creating a place where countless memories were made. Even after Hurricane Opal destroyed the original house, Sue and Richard rebuilt. After Richard’s passing in 2003, Sue continued their shared work, learning every facet of the business and managing the rentals herself. “Above the Sand” remained her pride and joy—a beacon of hospitality for longtime guests who returned year after year.

Volunteerism was at the heart of who Sue was. She gave generously of her time at TMH, and later with Catholic Charities’ Christmas Connection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, already facing the early challenges of dementia, Sue turned to her Singer sewing machine and made thousands of masks. “I can’t do much, but I can do this,” she would say—a true testament to her spirit and heart.

Even in later years, Sue made the long drive back to Longview to care for her mother and brothers, faithfully following a route she and Richard had planned together. She was the anchor of her family—the card sender, the Christmas lasagna maker, the best gift giver, and the keeper of calendars and traditions. She never missed a birthday or milestone and built deep friendships that stood the test of time.

Sue had a warmth that drew people in, a dry and coy sense of humor, and a belief in others that made you want to live up to her expectations. She never saw a garage sale she didn’t love—especially if it had holiday décor—and rarely paid full price for anything she knew she could find a deal on.

To know Sue Coyner was to love her—and to be inspired by her. She lived by the philosophy that “every day above the ground is a good day,” and she meant it. Her humility, wit, strength, and generosity defined a life well lived.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard, and is survived by her devoted son Craig and his wife Deana, her grandchildren Colter and Cierra,and a wide circle of beloved friends and neighbors.

We could all live a hundred lifetimes and never quite measure up to the quiet, steadfast goodness that was Sue Coyner—but we can try. In her memory, may we live with purpose, love deeply, give generously, and never pass up a good garage sale.

A celebration of life for Sue will be held Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, Florida. An inurnment following the service will occur at Culley's MeadowWood Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, Florida.