Mrs. Suzanne Sullivan Graf

Suzanne was born on June 15, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri, and was adopted August 24th of that same year by Lon and Maxine Sullivan. She was raised in Springfield, Missouri, where she developed her strength, faith, and kind spirit that would define her life.

Suzanne married her high school sweetheart, John, and began her adult life in San Diego, California.

Later, Suzanne moved to Texas, where she married Bruce and built a career at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. During a difficult season in her life, Suzanne found strength and purpose through Open Arms Inc., where she both received and offered support to others.

Suzanne eventually met her forever husband and love, Dr. Virgil Graf. Together they built a home filled with laughter, love, and devotion as they raised their two children, Kimberly and Daniel. Suzanne poured her heart into her children and later embraced her most cherished role as “Gram” to her beloved grandchildren, Leighton and Taylor. She was also a loving mother-in-law to Kim’s husband, Dan.

Throughout her life, Suzanne worked hard and served others with joy. She was Youth Bowling League Director at Showplace Lanes, Euless, where she coached kids in the program and was a beloved member of the bowling community. So many of her lasting friendships were created here. She worked at Dillard’s, where she loved the children’s department and creating displays. One of her more recent joys was caring for Leighton during her first year of life, often holding her beloved cat, Gimli, while feeding her granddaughter.

Suzanne’s faith in God was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted member of The Hills Church, North Richland Hills, and faithfully attended services online. Her life was marked by integrity, generosity, and quiet perseverance. Suzanne believed deeply in kindness, honesty, and standing up for others, and she remained encouraged by leaders who embodied those same values.

She loved action movies and could always be counted on to groan when a romantic comedy came on. She enjoyed 1960s music and praise songs, and found special joy in a steak from Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, strawberry cake from Texas Star Bakery, and her eggs lightly scrambled with cheese

Suzanne was preceded in death by her parents, Lon and Maxine, and by her beloved husband, Virgil.

She is survived by her daughter, Kimberly Graf; her son, Daniel Graf; her son-in-law, Dan Smith; her treasured grandchildren, Leighton and Taylor; and her stepdaughters, Joann Graf Simard and Baar Graf.

Suzanne’s life was a testament to faith, resilience, and unconditional love. She overcame tremendous challenges with grace and determination, always choosing hope and extending kindness to others. Her legacy lives on in the family she adored and the values she passed down. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.