She was born in Salina, Kansas on April 6, 1938 to Frederick Pfeifer and Nina LaVerne Farmer. She inherited a talent for singing from her mother and grandmother and developed it further during secondary school and 2 plus years of college and independent vocal instruction. Throughout her adult years she employed her musical talent in academic and community settings and performed as a soloist in such diverse locations as Bangkok, Thailand, metropolitan churches in Washington, D.C. and, lastly, Williamsburg.
Susan and John C. Bookless were married in September 1966 and she and two daughters from a previous marriage joined him in Thailand in early 1967 where he was employed by the Agency for International Development. They returned home in 1968 and lived in the Washington, D.C. area where she remained while John was assigned a tour of duty in South Vietnam. Their next overseas assignment was to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. Susan worked as an administrative assistant in a variety of government agencies during most of those years. They retired to Williamsburg at the end of 1989 and enjoyed their years here. Following her retirement she traveled to seven different foreign countries on short term assignments as a government contractor. Susan was active in community organizations. She was a charter member of King of Glory Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and served on the Music Committee, was a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, served as a Stephen Minister and participated in the KOG Prison Ministry. She was a member of the Williamsburg Music Club, sang with the Williamsburg Choral Guild and volunteered at the community homeless shelter. She loved dogs, especially small ones.
Susan was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, Steven and Donald, and a daughter, Elizabeth Ann, who was stillborn. She is survived by husband, John, daughters Jody Hampton and Kathy Clarke (Bixler) and son, John (Chris) Christopher Bookless and wife, Kristi; grandchildren Micah Binns, Stephen, Susan and Sarah Coy and 5 great-grandchildren.
Visitation by friends will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home on Friday, November 9th from 7-9 p.m. The Funeral service will be held at the King of Glory Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 10th at 11 a.m. with a light lunch reception following.
Memorial contributions may be made to the King of Glory Lutheran Church building fund, 4897 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, 23188; the 4 Paws Animal Rescue, P. O. Box 1624, Hayes, VA 23072; or the Heritage Humane Society, 430 Waller Mill Rd., Williamsburg, 23185. Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.
