Susanne Levett Shilling

Susanne Levett Shilling peacefully passed away on the morning of July 28, 2025 in Charlottesville, Virginia in the presence of her son, Alfred Tanner Shilling, and daughter-in-law, Sarah Carolyne Christopher. Susanne was preceded in death by her daughter, Charlotte Channing Shilling. Along with her son and daughter-in-law, she he is survived by her three grandchildren—Channing Elizabeth Shilling, Alfred Joseph Whitt Shilling, and Aubrey Tanner Shilling.

Susanne graduated from Bronx High School of Science in 1962. She went on to pursue a BS degree from University of Michigan in 1966, MSW degree from University of Pennsylvania in 1968, and finally, JD degree from University of Virginia in 1974.

Susanne led a storied professional career as a family practice attorney in Richmond, Virginia for nearly 30 years. She served as a partner in three firms, two of which she founded. She was recognized as Woman of the Year in Law by the YMCA in the mid-1980s and sat as Chairman of the Family Law Section of the Richmond Bar Association in addition to numerous committees in the field of family law for the Virginia State Bar. She also taught as an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work and as a guest lecturer for many years at T.C. Williams School of Law at University of Richmond.

Through it all, she raised two children, restored at least five homes in Church Hill, and helped too many clients and friends to count. She had a boundless generosity of spirit and time for those she loved, and she loved many. She did it all with a smile and laugh.

Susanne has now joined her daughter Channing in a better place, a reunion that Susanne had been longing for. Without a doubt, Susanne arrived wearing her best scarf and the perfect shade of red lipstick. The two of them are having a ball.

A celebration of life is to be held this fall in Richmond, Virginia, graveside at Greenwood Memorial Gardens.