Obituary of Susan Dianne Day-Collins

Troy- Susan Day-Collins, a long time Memphis TN resident died at home peacefully surrounded by her loved ones Wednesday Jan 23, 2013. Susie, as she was called by many of her loved ones, was born Nov 2, 1955 in Troy NY to the late Frank E. & Dorothy Collins. She graduated from Troy High School in 1972. Shortly thereafter, Sue entered into marriage with her first husband, John A. Lewis, from which blossomed a beautiful daughter, Serita. After their separation in 1976, Susan began her jaunt through life by enlisting in the armed forces with daughter in tow. While in the service, she met and married Lavern "Ray" Day. After 9 dedicated years of service she left to be a full-time mom for her young daughters Serita Lewis-Adjin, Denese (Terrence) "Spoonie" Day-Burks, Donna (Rodraious) Harden and Raychel (James) "Bah" Day-Sims. Sue was no stranger to hard work; her ambition drove her to climb mountains that, to some, seemed insurmountable. Her ambition influenced her expectation of those she loved. She always expected them to do their best, as she always did in her countless customer service and managerial positions. Later in life, Susie enrolled in Southwest Tn Community College where she obtained her Associates Degree, carrying a 3.8 or better GPA and being repeatedly placed on the Dean's list. She then matriculated at the University of Memphis where she began working toward her bachelors in Criminal Justice with the express focus of counseling the wayward men, women, and children through social work. A powerful motivational speaker, Susan did not allow anyone she cared for to leave without clear cut instructions on how to better themselves and their current situation. Her passion was to enlighten others to the wiles of life and, with her last breath, encourage others against making the same mistakes she had made through her many testimonies. Sue always understood, and told her family, told her family that experience is the best teacher, and she was right. In her leisure, Sue constantly cruised the world, making memories with her grandchildren in such places as Jamaica, Mexico, Cayman Islands via Carnival Cruise Lines and on stateside sight-seeing adventures. Her grandchildren were her passion. She has left behind (Ni-Ahsia, Glen, Aaliyaah, Terrance, Amaya , Alexander.) Nothing else was more important to her. Sue was survived by her husband and children as well as her siblings Kathryn (Bradshaw) Vinson Frank (Maria) E. Collins Jr., Donald (Joan) Collins, Kimberly Holloway, Mary Myers, and Robert Collins, and a host of nieces and nephews. Susie was predeceased by parents, Frank E. & Dorothy Collins, siblings, Paul Collins, Lois Collins, Edna Simkins, grandchildren, Mariah, Micah & Mekhi. To know her was to love her. A cornerstone of this family is surely gone but not forgotten. If I had to choose one word to describe her it would be unyielding. Simply put? Determined, fixed, hardcore, headstrong, unswayable, a machine. Quiting and failure were not an option. I believe the greatest misfortune of her walk with us is that she never really knew how much she truly meant to each and every one of us. And in that lies the importance of giving one their flowers while they can still smell them. I implore you please don't be sad, but rejoice in knowing that to be out of the body is to be in the arms of the Lord. No more pain, no more suffering. She is home with the Father wrapped in his infinite undying love. So if your ever alone, down trodden, unsure, or confused just look to the skies and ask yourself...What Would Susie Say?...from hence capturing a glimpse of remembrance revealing the depths of her wisdom and chastening words compelling her memory to live on inside of you forever! Funeral Service 11:00 am Saturday, February 2, 2013 Oak Grove Baptist Church 514 7th Avenue Troy, New York, United States