Susan Way Zuber

Susan Way Zuber, age 79, of Homewood, Alabama, went to be with the Lord on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026. She was born on January 28, 1947, in Washington, D.C., while her father, Colonel George E. Way, was stationed at the Pentagon. She was the daughter of Col. George E. Way and Ethel K. Way, both of whom preceded her in death.

Susan was the beloved wife of 61 years to her husband, Skip; the devoted mother of son Chris and daughter in law Susan; and the adoring “Gran” to her cherished grandchildren, Reid and Ingram.

Born into a military family, Susan moved frequently throughout her childhood, often becoming “the new kid” with each new assignment. These constant transitions cultivated her resilience, openheartedness, and remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life—qualities that shaped both her personal relationships and her many professional accomplishments.

As a young wife to a U.S. Navy aviator, Susan quickly stepped into leadership roles. At just 23 years old, she became President of the Helicopter Wives Association at Imperial Beach N.A.S. in San Diego, California, leading more than 500 women in meaningful philanthropic work. Following the conclusion of Navy service, Susan and Skip relocated to Alabama, where she worked as a social worker for the State of Alabama Department of Pensions and Security, advocating tirelessly to ensure that children always came first.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Susan served as President of the Northwest Alabama League of Women Voters, reflecting her lifelong commitment to civic engagement and community service. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Huntingdon College—where she met the love of her life—and later completed a master’s degree in early childhood education. Drawing upon her education and passion for children, Susan founded two childcare centers in Florence dedicated to serving low-income and at-risk families. She was also a steadfast supporter and advocate for the W.C. Handy Music Festival.

In 2000, Susan and Skip moved to the Birmingham area where she went to serve as Executive Director of the Central Alabama Literacy Council. She later completed her distinguished professional career with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), serving as a Community Liaison Manager. In this role, she coordinated nongovernmental assistance for communities affected by natural and man-made disasters, including multiple Florida hurricanes and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Her FEMA assignments took her across the country—to Alaska, New York and New Jersey, Michigan, and Florida—where she continued doing what came most naturally: building friendships, strengthening communities, and lifting others up. One colleague wrote to Skip shortly after Susan’s passing, “Susan was all the good things that just seem impossible for one person to be. She was down to earth, caring, empathetic, encouraging, bright, intelligent, talented, dedicated, and funny.”

Susan was a woman of many talents and wide-ranging passions. As a young woman, she was a ballet dancer and later a high school cheerleader. She had a lifelong appreciation for beauty in all its forms and was an accomplished artist. Susan and her husband were also avid sailors and long-time members of the Pickwick Yacht Club, where she participated in numerous regattas and forged lasting friendships on the water.

A devoted Anglophile, Susan delighted in all things British. Whether driving her beloved MG, watching a British sitcom, or immersing herself in English culture and traditions, if it was British, she was a fan. In more recent years, Susan became deeply committed to the preservation of Homewood’s architectural history, including the thoughtful restoration and preservation of the couple’s original 1926 bungalow. This passion led her to become actively involved in The Pink House preservation efforts beginning in 2018. Susan served on the board of the Homewood Historical Commission, became President of the Homewood Historic Preservation Foundation, and was a producer of the documentary The Pink House.

Susan spent her final days surrounded by family, listening to her favorite jazz albums—just as she wished.

A celebration of Susan’s life will be held on Sunday, April 26, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Christopher Glenn (2713 19th Street South, Homewood, AL). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations, acts of kindness, or gestures of goodwill be made in her memory.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (205.879.3401) in Homewood.