Susan Barrett O'Quinn

She is survived by her husband of nearly 31 years, Jimmie O’Quinn, daughters Kellie Renee, Lydia Susanne, Alisan Denise, and Jamie Elizabeth O’Quinn. Also by her mother Margie Atwood Barrett of Houston, TX. Brother Russell Barrett and wife Betty of Bryan, TX, and Aunt Frankie Bannister of Kermit, TX. By nephew Brandon Barrett and wife Tara, children Cameron, Emma, and Cooper. As well by nephew Justin Barrett and wife Stephanie, children Dalton, Eric, and Boston. Mother-in-law, Alice O’Quinn, sister-in-law Alicia O’Quinn and niece Ashlie. Best friends (aka sisters) Kelly Ownby and Shannon Martin and a multitude of friends.

Susan is preceded in death by her beloved daddy Marvin Norman Barrett, Aunt Joyce Stewart, father-in-law Jimmie O’Quinn, Sr., and grandmother by marriage Annabelle O’Quinn. And a plethora of family pets Peaches, Cream, Boots, Punkin, Tiger, Lacie, Bennie, Sancho, Wanda, and Mr. Bubbles.

Susan was a beautiful, loving, kind, caring, gentle, creative, hilarious, thoughtful, compassionate, hard-working, loved, sweet, gracious, and deeply cherished servant of our Lord, Jesus Christ and a servant member of Tallowood Baptist Church for nearly 21 years.

Susan was born in Hobbs, NM and became a West Texas girl when her parents moved the family to Kermit, TX. She attended Kermit High School where she played the saxophone in marching band and graduated in May 1981 and went on to study Elementary Education at Hardin-Simmons University and graduated in May 1985 with a B.Ed. She later attended Sam Houston State University and earned a Master of Library Science in May 2000 (we think.) She taught for Spring Branch ISD for 20 years in Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st grade, and also served as a librarian for 13 years.

Susan and Jimmie were married on December 19, 1987 at Southside Baptist Church in Abilene, TX. They then moved to Pecos, TX to begin a life together of dedication to one another and in service to our Lord, Jesus Christ. The later moved to Houston, TX in May 1993. God’s gifts to what Susan considered her highest calling, becoming a mother to Kellie Renee born February 22, 1990; Lydia Susanne born March 20, 1992; Alisan Denise born June 19, 1995; and Jamie Elizabeth born December 14, 1998.

Susan enjoyed serving by teaching preschoolers at Tallowood, teaching young girls in missions organizations, and greeting Pre-K children at choir on Wednesday evenings. Susan was also a faithful member of the Lydia Sunday School class and loved spending time laughing and praying with these ladies.

Susan was an avid reader as is evidenced by the shelves and piles of books that fill the family home. She also loved to cross-stitch, crochet, sew, and snuggle her dachshunds Lady and Lucy. Spending time with her mother, watching her girls be sisters, and being home with the love of her life were some of her greatest joys.

At an early age Susan believed that Jesus was the death, burial, and resurrection and had died on the cross to cover her sins. She knew that by placing her faith in Christ, the One way, the One truth, and the One who gives life to the fullest, she would spend eternity in Heaven. As her family has also believed, we know that we have not said goodbye, but until we see you again at the feet of Jesus. For we do not grieve as those who have no hope, for Jesus is too faithful for despair.

Susan was laid to rest at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, November 16, 2018 at Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston, Texas. A memorial service honoring Susan’s life, followed at 3:00 p.m., at Tallowood Baptist Church, also in Houston. The family requested that attendees wear purple to honor Susan.

In lieu of flowers, we as a family of 5 are asking people who loved mom to donate to one of the organizations listed below. They were all very near to the heart and life of Susan and our family.

Hardin-Simmons University, her alma matter, to support the Irvin School of Education and to continue training teachers in an education enlightened by faith. The Susan O’Quinn Memorial fund may be chosen as the designation at https://connect.hsutx.edu/donate

Checks to: Hardin-Simmons University Box 16100, Abilene, TX, 79698 with Susan O’Quinn Memorial in the memo line.

Spring Branch Education Foundation to support the teachers and students at her campus, Westwood Elementary.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr…

Checks to: 955 Campbell, Houston, TX 77024 with Susan O’Quinn Memorial in the memo line.

Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation to provide books and literacy programs to students across the Houston area.

bushhoustonliteracy.org/donate

Checks to: 7887 San Felipe, Suite 250, Houston, TX 77063 with Susan O’Quinn Memorial in the memo line.