Susan Gaile Bledsoe

Susan Gaile Bledsoe was born July 7, 1955 in Los Angeles, California, to Samuel Bledsoe Sr. and Eleanor Ruth Bujol-Bledsoe, and succumbed to complications from Covid-19 on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at the age of 65.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Joseph Bledsoe and her daughter Michelle Genora Stoneham, all of whom she is now reunited with in God’s Heaven.

Susan attended 93rd Street Elementary School, Bret Hart Jr. High and Fremont High School.  She also attended UCLA after her graduation.  Her first church was People’s Independent Church of Christ where she was active in the youth choir and other youth groups.  At the time of her passing, she was an active member of Star of Hope Unity Church in Los Angeles. Susan joined Star of Hope in early 2001. Her Pastor at Star of Hope affectionately called her his "Minister of Concern" because of her loving caring spirit.  She was a Church Trustee.  She was the Women's Ministry VP and Breakfast Coordinator for more than 15 years.  She also served as the  Prison Fellowship Ministries Angel Tree Program Coordinator for the 10 or so years.

While attending UCLA Susan received a two-week temporary assignment at Citi Corp in 1974 and she never left:  Employed there for over forty years, she served as an Assistant Vice-President and made many lifelong friends who have stayed in contact, through Face Book, true to the end.

Susan met and married Jessie Stoneham and to this union, David Sherman Stoneham and Michelle Genora Stoneham were born.  Later, Brittany Christine Carter was born to Susan and Earl Carter.  Susan also had countless surrogate children who though not born to her, still call her “Mom” to this day.

Susan enjoyed going to movies, attending plays with her friends, and never missed a chance to go to Las Vegas where slot machines exist, and visit two of her nephews.  She also enjoyed dining out.

She never missed an opportunity to help her family and friends.  If a bed ridden family member needed a cheeseburger from the burger stand down the street at 11pm, Susan would arrive with a burger and a smile.  Susan always remembered birthdays of family and friends.  ALWAYS there to help anyone and everyone whenever she could!

She was a magnificent example of a sister, cousin, mentor and mother.  Even when her life was challenged with dialysis, high blood pressure, congestive heart issues, her desire to always be there for anyone who needed her was not hampered.  ‘Suzy Q’ always had a smile for you, and if you needed money, a place to sleep, a ride, food, an ear…she was always available.  Always attentive to the words that were being spoken, whether she adhered to the advice or not, one could just feel her presence in the moment.

So loved, and so cherished, Susan is survived by her children, David and Brittany, brothers Samuel Bledsoe, Jr. and Ronald Bledsoe, their wives Melvina and Berenice, her Aunt Clara Bujol, and Godson Leslie Hampton, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends.  She will be truly missed!