Susan Massey Kennedy

Susan is survived by her husband, Bill, sons, David (Kate) and Robby, her grandchildren Robby Jr., Alice, and Millie, her sister Julia Higgins and her brother Dennis Massey (Yolanda).

Susan was born on January 31, 1957 to Herbert “Bill” and Jackie Massey in Chattanooga, TN. After graduating from Chattanooga Central High School, where she was head cheerleader, a member of the Homecoming Court and a member of the Mr./Miss Central Court, she attended The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Her passion for children led her to Mountain Oaks Elementary school in Ooltewah, where she taught 3rd grade. She later completed her masters in reading education at UTC, and got her EdS in educational administration at Tennessee Technological University . She became an assistant principal at Spring Creek Elementary and Wallace Smith Elementary, and later became the principal at McBrien Elementary, and Wallace Smith Elementary where she was honored twice: as Outstanding Principal in 2006 by the Hamilton County Council of PTAs and as Distinguished Administrator of the Year in 2008 by the Hamilton County Education Association . She retired from Hamilton County Schools in 2008, but as no surprise to all who knew Susan, her journey as an advocate for children and educators didn’t stop there. She went on to become an instructor in the teacher education program at Dalton State University from 2008 to 2012. She also served as a consultant with Paideia Consulting Group from 2013-2017, traveling to 7 different cities across the country engaging with schools and writing reports about her visits. Through the Public Education Foundation, she also served for 4 years as a Principal Coach, mentoring new principals in Hamilton County Schools. Her love for children and her passion for education then brought her out of retirement when she accepted a position to become the principal at Normal Park Museum Magnet School, and later Alpine Crest Elementary School. Even at the time of her passing she served as a math tutor at her church. She simply could not and would not stop serving others in any way she was able.

For the first 30 years of her life she was a member of East Chattanooga United Methodist Church, where she sang in the church choir, was a member of the One Way Singers, and batted leadoff for the church softball team. From there she and her family joined Tyner United Methodist Church where she was a member for almost 40 years. She played in the handbell choir for over 30 years, directed the youth handbell choir, sang in the church choir, and served as secretary for the church council.

Susan was a zealous reader her entire life. She could often be found working in her gardens, taking trips with friends to the beach, or dressed in orange cheering for the Tennessee Vols.

However, her greatest joy was found in her kids and grandkids. From ballgames with her boys, to recitals and plays with her granddaughters, Susan never missed an opportunity to love and support her family. She took no greater delight than in planning and taking trips to Disney World with her family, where she shined so brightly in the magic, wonder and excitement through the eyes of her kids and grandkids.

She was her husband’s guiding light, her sons’ north star, and her grandchildren’s morning sun. A light of love that she reflected off of herself and onto all those who knew and loved her.

Her memorial service will be held on Monday, April 27 th at 5:00 pm at Tyner United Methodist Church, and will be streamed live, link is down below, with a visitation and reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to Tyner United Methodist Church, link is down below.

Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.