Suzanne Funchess Jacobson

4/12/1939 – 7/1/2026

Suzanne Funchess Jacobson, 87, a beloved retired teacher and librarian of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away on July 1, 2026.

Army Colonel Linwood Funchess and Elizabeth Snead Funchess welcomed Suzanne Tate Funchess, their first child and only daughter on April 12th, 1939, in Ithaca, New York. Suzanne and her 3 younger brothers grew up moving every two years due to her father’s military assignments. While stationed in their favorite location, Ankara, Turkey, she met her future husband, Joseph “Joe” Jacobson, when she was 15 years old. They maintained a long-distance relationship while she attended Montevallo University and Auburn University. They married in Germany in 1962, and had two children. As an Army military wife, she lived in Oklahoma and Wyoming before the marriage ended. She and her children returned to Alabama for the love and support of her parents and brothers.

Suzanne graduated from Auburn University (BS) and Auburn University at Montgomery (MS) with degrees in Education. She taught 4th grade at Georgia Washington Elementary before a long career as school librarian at Fews Elementary. After retiring, she worked with the Montgomery Public Library system for several years. Affectionately known as “Ms. Jake”’ to students and coworkers, she took great pride in expanding and decorating the Fews library. She was a lifelong reader, whose favorite authors include John Grisham, Danielle Steel and Khaled Hosseini.

She enjoyed Chinese checkers, board games, dominoes and jigsaw puzzles, and her animated competitiveness made playing games with her fun. She loved surprises, both as a giver and a receiver, and was always excited for holidays, especially birthdays and Christmas. Through her extra effort, she made her loved ones feel special. She treasured the times spent with her large extended family at her parents' lake cabin and at their home in Auburn. She especially loved being “Granny” to her grandchildren, Macy and Jarmon, of whom she was extremely proud. Taking after her mother, she loved flowers, and showcased them in the garden and furnishings of her Montgomery home of 50 years. She will be missed for her contagious energy, unpredictable quips, and love for her family.

Suzanne is preceded in death by her parents, and youngest brother Steve. She is survived by her children, Michelle and Brian, grandchildren Macy (Jacob) and Jarmon, brothers Dennis and David (Anne), and many other close family members.

A private Celebration of Life is planned for July 12.