Suzanne Dees

Suzanne Settle Dees passed away quietly surrounded by her family on January 6, 2016, at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Susan was born on August 23, 1939, in Dallas to Dorothy Walsh and Charles Eugene Settle. She was a life-long resident of the Park Cities, and graduated from Highland Park High School and Marymount College in Tarrytown, New York after a year of studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She taught the second grade at the Lamplighter School during the school’s early years on the Churchill Way campus. Susan then moved to Channel 13 PBS in the early 1970s where she orchestrated bringing Sesame Street and her friend Big Bird to Dallas. She married Dr. Tom Moore Dees, II in 1972 and had two sons: Tom Moore Dees, III and David Walsh Dees. She began volunteer work at an early age with the Junior League of Dallas which asked her to serve on the board of the Timberlawn Psychiatric Research Foundation which she did for many years eventually serving as Chairman of the Board. She also spent many hours volunteering as a board member of Hope Cottage, Dallas Services Low Vision Clinic (formerly Dallas Services for Visually Impaired Children), and the Friends of the Highland Park Library. She was a member of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church and a former member of the Alter Guild. She held membership in the Junior League of Dallas, Junior League Study Club, National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, Dallas Woman’s Club, Dallas Garden Club, Dallas Country Club, Dallas Athletic Club, City Club, Standard Club, Hesitation, Crystal Charity Ball, Daughters of the American Revolution, Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas Museum of Art, Kimball Art Museum, Dallas County Heritage Society, Dallas Historical Society, and Dallas County Medical Society Alliance. She was a charter member of the Park Cities Historical Society, and a former president of the Slipper Club and the Women’s Council of Dallas. Susan is survived by her husband, sons, daughter-in-law Stephanie Hazlewood Dees, grandson Tom Moore Dees, IV (Tommy), brother Charles W. Settle and wife Betsy, and brother Bruce Settle and wife Marcy. Susan enjoyed a quick wit and a delicious sense of humor. She adored “her boys,” especially her grandson Tommy whom she affectionately nicknamed “Snigglefritz.” Susan was a devoted wife and loving mother who eagerly participated in all aspects of family life from medical trips to birthday parties. She loved her family and was deeply loved in return. A gracious lady and a dear friend, you knew where you stood with Susan Dees. She enjoyed a wonderful life and will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Services will be held at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church on Saturday, January 9, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. and officiated by Rev. William Powers. She will be interred at Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers are John R. Bunton, Jack R. Coleman, Jack W. Hawkins, James G. Hazlewood, Webb E. Spradley, Charles D. Spradley, Don M. Houseman, and Charles W. Settle, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers are Ben H. Sparkman and Denys R. Slater, Jr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Susan’s honor to the Timberlawn Psychiatric Research Foundation (6301 Gaston Avenue, Suite 620 Dallas, Texas 75214 214.388.0451), Dallas Services Low Vision Clinic (4242 Office Parkway Dallas, Texas 75204 214.828.9900), Hope Cottage (2801 Swiss Avenue Dallas, Texas 75204 214.526.8721), or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com.