Susan E. Mead

Susan Emalie Mead, a sweet and caring person, known as the chocolatier of the family, of Mulliken, died January 29, 2021. Susan, 70, was born October 30, 1950, in Lansing, Mich. to Harold Norris and Mary (McCrum) Norris. Susan was raised in Nashville and graduated from Maple Valley High School. Susan married Larry Mead on October 25, 1969, and together they raised three children, Autumn, Amber and Aaron. Susan and Larry were married for 51 years, and Susan said of their marriage, “It’s been awesome.” It was after marrying Larry that Susan learned farming. Susan worked at Charlotte Plaza Florist where her creativity was expressed and appreciated. She also worked as an office worker for Dowding Industries.
Susan was extremely gifted in sewing, quilting, crocheting, baking, and candy making. Her grandchildren will cherish T-shirt quilts she made, and taking trips with their Grandma. The family’s memories will include trips to the Grand Canyon, Germany, and many Midwest zoos. Susan’s children question: “Who will make the cinnamon rolls and cream puffs at Christmas?” They have fond memories of her abilities from “cake to clothes.” She will be remembered for always meeting the needs of others; those needs may be in the form of a wedding cake, bridesmaid dresses, or outfitting a nursery. A perfectionist when it came to standards for herself, but thought she never quite achieved perfection. Her children say, “Our Mom made beautiful things.” She will be remembered and cherished for her sweet and caring ways.
Susan is survived by her devoted husband, Larry; her daughters, Autumn (Justin) Sivyer, and Amber (Mike) Straatman; and her son Aaron (Shelli) Mead. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Hunter Sivyer, Colin Sivyer, and Emalie Sivyer, Austin Mead, Khloe Mead, Kierstyn Mead, Samantha Straatman; Kal Straatman, and “adopted” grandchild Justin Wells; siblings, Karen (Skip) Dowding, and Mark Norris; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Cheryl Savage Tewksbury; brother-in-law, Theo Savage; and her parents.
Friends supported Susan’s family at a visitation on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Pray Funeral Home. A memorial service was held on Friday, February 5, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Rhode officiating. Attendance was limited due to current COVID restrictions. The service was webcast for viewing from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device by visiting Susan’s tribute page at PrayFuneral.com, then clicking on the photos and videos tab (or media from your smartphone). Immediately prior to service, a link appears on that page. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County 4-H. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Susan on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.