Senior Mother Susan Patricia Mason

Senior Mother Susan Patricia Mason was born on December 29, 1951, in Winchester, Virginia, to Superior Mother F. Lois Mason and Mr. Russell L. Mason. She was number six of ten siblings. Eight (8) girls and two (2) boys.

After a prolonged illness, Senior Mother Susan peacefully departed this life at the age of 74 on April 29, 2026, in, hospice care in Temple Terrace, Florida.

Senior Mother Susan was affectionately known by her family and friends as “Dinky,” a nickname given to her in childhood by her Poppa’s cousin, cousin Jenny. Although many lovingly called her Dinky, her parents, Superior Mother F. Lois Mason and Mr. Russell Mason, always called her Susan.

On July 2, 1954, at the tender age of three, she became a member of the Supreme Council of the House of Jacob, along with her mother, the late Superior Mother F. Lois Mason and older siblings.

Susan spent her early years in Winchester, Virginia, where she attended Frederick Douglas Elementary School and graduated from John Handley High School, in 1970. Because she had a deep love of caring for others and helping those in need, pursuing studies in nursing was a natural path that served her well throughout her career.

In late 1974 Sr. Mother Susan moved to Bethlehem Twp. OH and on May 1, 1975, she began working for the Supreme Council of the House of Jacob’ Nursing Home as a Nurse’s aide (STNA). Serving the Saints of God at Jacob’s Dwelling Nursing Home brought her great joy and fulfillment. She worked at the nursing home from May 1, 1975, until May 1990.

After leaving Jacob’s Dwelling Nursing Home, she moved to Fort Myers, Fla. Once again, she was employed in the health care field at Health Park Hospital. She would eventually move back to Winchester, VA continuing her employment in health care working with those in need at Grafton Group Homes. When she was no longer able to work outside of the home, she assisted with the home health care of her mother, Superior Mother F. Lois Mason, prior to her passing in 2014.

The pride and joy of Mother Susan’s life was her daughter, Eldress Deborah Castorlania Mason, affectionately known as “Deci,” and her grandson, Brother Sean Kevin Mason, lovingly called “Skippy.” Anyone who spoke negatively about Deci or Skippy would quickly discover how fiercely protective and devoted she was to them. Her favorite foods where hamburgers, French fries, Coke a Cola, and of course, pizza with potato chips.

In 2021, Senior Mother Susan moved to Tampa Florida with her daughter Elderess Deborah, who was deeply devoted to her and became her primary caretaker during her illness. Never complaining or asking for help, Deci and Sean were right by her side during the final moments of her life.

Her grandson Sean “Skippy” Mason was equally devoted to his Nanny. Sean fondly recalled the times, during his summer school breaks, when his Nanny would often take him to work with her at Health Park Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida. She kept him close by her side, unbothered by anyone’s opinion about it. She was Sean’s “go-to person”. Whenever he needed comfort, especially when he was sick. She would gently break up ice cubes, sit beside him on the couch, and feed him ice chips to help reduce his fever. Sean cherished those moments so deeply that even as an adult, he would text his nanny saying, “I don’t feel good,” hoping she would come and feed him ice chips once again.

Mother Susan adored her beloved pet cat, Satori, and he adored her in return. She and Satori were inseparable. In fact, Satori would not leave her side, he slept at the foot of her bed every night.

Anyone who knew Mother Susan recognized her three unforgettable trademarks.

The first was cleanliness. She was exceptionally neat and particular about order. Whether at home or visiting family and friends, everything had a place, and she made sure it remained in its place.

The second trademark was her love for sunglasses, her bangle bracelets, and her rings. Whenever she wore them, she carried herself with elegance, grace, and style. Even during illness and hospital stays, when nurses prepared to wheel her outside for fresh air, her first response to Deci would always be, “Where are my sunglasses? I need my sunglasses.”

The third trademark was music. She loved listening to music and loved to sing. She was blessed with a beautiful Alto voice and enjoyed singing the Songs of Zion. She was a member of the Chariot Wheels of Winchester, VA, The Bethlehem Villagers of Bethlehem Twp. OH., and the Supreme Council of the House of Jacob’s National Choir. But her greatest joy was having been blessed to be a member of Father W.B. Israel, S.O.T.’s personal singing group, The Celestial Gems, travelling and singing with Him whenever called upon.

Anyone who knew Dinky knew that she enjoyed listening to smooth jazz while sipping on a hot cup of black coffee. She mainly loved listening to her Poppa’s, the late Mr. Russell Mason’s, CDs. In fact, during the final moments of her life, his music was playing softly in the background.

Senior Mother Susan Patricia Mason was elevated to the rank of Junior Minister in 1974 and was ordained on August 27, 1977. She was elevated to the rank of Senior Mother on May 11, 2025, in Seffner, Florida by our Honorable Father, Father J. Zerubbabel Israel S.O.G.

While hospitalized yet looking forward to attending the 106th Anniversary Day observance, she was blessed to receive a personal visit in December 2025 from our Honorable Father and Leader, a moment that brought her great joy.

Senior Mother Susan Patricia Mason leaves to cherish her loving memory of her devoted daughter, Elderess Deborah C. Mason; her beloved grandson, Brother Sean Mason; seven sisters: Advanced Senior Mother Faye (Jacob) Pearson, Advanced Senior Mother Helen Davenport, Superior Mother G. Dianne Lois Parker, Senior Mother Joanne (David) Thomas, Miss Kyria L. Mason, Senior Mother Deborah B. Summers, and Mother Rhoda C. Mason; two sisters-in-law, Senior Mother Gwendolyn Long, and Senior Mother Deborah Mason; along with a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Superior Mother F. Lois Mason and Mr. Russell L. Mason; two brothers, Elder Wayne F. Mason and Presiding Elder Moses W. Long; three brothers-in-law, Presiding Elder Robert Davenport, Presiding Elder Errol G. Parker, and Elder Lonnie Summers; her nephew, Brother Philip Parker; and her niece, Senior Mother Regina F. Long-Williams.

The family gratefully acknowledges all cards, calls, gifts, prayers, and expressions of love and sympathy shown during this time.

A funeral service will be held at the Supreme Council of the House of Jacob, First Tabernacle on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:00 am with Senior Bishop S. Joshua King officiating. Burial will follow at Machpelah Burial Acres. Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home is serving the family.

An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com