Susan Eckerle Sayre, 81, died April 15, 2024 after suffering a stroke. Susan was born June 4, 1942 in Tenafly, New Jersey to Frank and Mildred Eckerle. After graduating from Tenafly High School, Susan attended Monmouth University in Monmouth, IL, where she made some life long friends. She transferred to New York University where she graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree. While at NYU, Susan became involved in the civil rights movement. She was a Freedom Rider in both Alabama and Mississippi, where she helped African-Americans register to vote. In addition, she was a life long supporter of the American Civil Liberties Union.
Susan moved to East Texas in the late 80’s. She earned a Master’s Degree in Biology (writing her thesis on Box Turtles) from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas, where she again made life long friends. She taught biology for a time at Pearsall, Texas. Then, she and her daughter returned to East Texas and made their home in Tyler where Susan worked as a caseworker for Child Protective Services for many years. She completed her career as a caseworker for the Early Childhood Intervention program of the Andrews Center.
“Critters” were Susan’s greatest love. She especially loved dogs and turtles, but she would rescue and/or care for any animal. She often stopped her car to make sure a turtle got safely across a highway. She was a member of the Dallas and Texas Herpitology Societies and would drive to Dallas to attend meetings and “critter” hunts. Again, she made life long friends in the “critter” community.
After she retired, Susan served on the Tyler Day Nursery Board and was very active in Temple Beth El, Tyler where she served in several different leadership roles. She read in depth about the history of Jews and Judaism. One of the highlights of her life was a trip to Israel with members of Temple Beth El and First Presbyterian Church.
Susan is survived by her children, Kaden Willbern (Kristy), McKinney; Allena Willbern Leach, Tyler; seven grandchildren; one great grandchild and many long time friends.
A memorial service for Susan will be held Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El, 1010 Charleston Dr., Tyler, Tx 75703. The family will gather to scatter Susan’s ashes at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Susan’s name may be made to Nicholas Pet Haven, 12903 State Hwy. 155, Tyler, Tx. 75703.
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