Born on July 2, 1950, in LaGrange, Georgia, Suellen lived a life characterized by kindness, consistently prioritizing the joy of family, friends and her beloved dog, Abigail.
Suellen resided in Hanover, Ontario, Canada for over 25 years where she raised two daughters, was a successful life insurance agent in her early career and then put her many creative talents to work as a professional seamstress.
Suellen was the cherished wife of Dan Shea for 27 years; they had known each other since childhood. Suellen was 46 years old when she returned to LaGrange and reconnected with Dan Shea. They married 10 months later, on October 11, 1998. They resided just outside LaGrange on a piece of property that Suellen meticulously landscaped showcasing her creative green thumb through the beautiful flower gardens she cared for.
Suellen was immensely proud of her two daughters, Candi Olsen and Angela Olsen. She loved and adored her two daughters and cherished all her grandchildren. Her smile grew and she gleamed with joy when she spoke of Candi and Angela. Some of our fondest memories are the summer weeks when she hosted the girls and the grandchildren from Canada for a week of swimming, baking and playing at her home.
Suellen was a member of Wehadkee Baptist Church in LaGrange where she was the pianist and a vocalist. She used her beautiful voice and musical talent to fill the church with praise.
Suellen is survived by her husband, Dan C. Shea; her daughters Candi Olsen, Angela Olsen and her husband Edwin Nuscher; her sister, Marsha Cunningham and her husband Michael; her stepdaughters Kelly Kingsfield and her husband Jeff and Michele Johnson; her treasured grandchildren Josh Callahan, Gracie Callahan, Alayla Baldry, Danielle Hyatt, Nick Shea, Skylor Rulis, Carlos Howard, Kristen Howard, Jordan Howard, Sergio Howard, Marco Howard, Evan Kingsfield, Emily Kingsfield; her great grandchildren Conner & Brooklyn Hoekstra and baby Willow Matthews.
Suellen was preceded in death by her parents Ruby Lape and James Horray Paris; brothers Edward Lape and Cecil Lape.
Suellen’s legacy of love will live on in the hearts of family and friends. Her memory will forever be a blessing.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Saturday, June 28, 2025, in the Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 1:00 PM Saturday.
All arrangements are made by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636.
Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.
