Suzanne Protz

Suzanne Wright Protz passed away on December 1, 2025 in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Born on September 5, 1953, in Marietta, Georgia, Suzanne was the daughter of Jeanne Brown Wright and William Gardner Wright, Jr. She grew up in Rome, Georgia, where she graduated from Thornwood School in 1971. She went on to attend the University of Georgia where she was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and later earned her Business Education degree from Berry College in Rome.

Suzanne’s professional life was marked by dedication and versatility. She began her career at Continental Yarns before embarking on an 18-year tenure as a flight attendant with Delta Airlines. Later, she worked alongside her husband, Steve, at Christmas Southeast for several years and ultimately retired as the Surplus Lines Compliance Manager at Allstar Financial Group.

A woman of deep faith and community spirit, Suzanne was a devoted member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church where she served on the Alter Guild. Her commitment to service extended beyond the church; she was a proud member of the National Society of Colonial Dames – GA, Rome Town Committee, Co-Vestors, an investment group with friends. In Ponte Vedra Beach, she enjoyed membership at Sawgrass Country Club where she was active in the Women's Club.

Suzanne cherished spending time with family and friends. She is survived by her beloved husband, Steve Protz; her daughter Emily Sontag and son-in-law Jonathan; and her treasured grandchildren Kyle Sontag and Taylor Sontag, sister-in-law, Pam Whitaker and her husband, Dr. Allen Whitaker, nephews Alex Whitaker and his wife Lisel and Dr Westry Whitaker. She also leaves behind her sister Mary Helen Heaner and brother-in-law Andrew; niece Mary Elston Heaner; nephew Gardner Heaner and his wife Madeline; great-nieces Caroline Heaner and Elizabeth Heaner; aunt Kathleen Temple and her husband Brooke; cousins Charles Temple and Bill Temple with his wife Cammie; and their children Camille Temple, Gracie Temple, and Brooke Temple.

Her love for animals was well known—especially for Fred, the pug, and two cats, Little G (inherited from her father) and Bitsy. Suzanne found joy in simple pleasures: walking along the beach, watching the UGA Bulldogs, playing canasta or bridge, and spending time dining with friends and surrounded by those she loved.

Suzanne’s warmth touched many lives through her kindness, faithfulness, and enduring friendships. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

May her legacy bring comfort to those who mourn her passing. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, December 5 at 11:00am in St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 101 East 4th Ave. Rome, GA.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at Daniel's Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following:

Darlington School for the Thornwood Scholarship

1014 Cave Spring Road SW

Rome, Georgia 30161