Susanne Virginia Nelson Bailey was born in Ada, Oklahoma, on September 28, 1945, to Cecil Melton Nelson and Marcelle Alma Rowe Nelson. She passed away in Richardson, Texas, on May 14, 2026, at the age of 80.

Her father and grandfather were railroad engineers. During her childhood the family moved to Denison, Texas, where she attended school and graduated from Denison High School in 1963. After her parents divorced, Susie went to live with her sister, Grace Nelson. Under Grace's influence, Susie grew and matured.

On the day she enrolled at Texas Woman's University, Susie found herself standing in line again and again. By late afternoon, she had reached her limit and loudly declared that she would not stand in another line. One of the young women nearby thought Susie was quite a troublemaker. That woman, Dana Herring, would soon become Susie's lifelong friend and companion in many adventures.

After leaving college, Susie went to work for Texas Instruments on a production line. It quickly became clear—to both Susie and management—that assembly work was not her calling, so she moved to the payroll department, which was managed by Howard Bailey. The two married on August 17, 1968. Not long afterward, Howard was elected to the Garland City Council, and Susie became, in her own words, the "child bride" of a popular politician—a role she did not especially enjoy.

In the mid 1980's Susie purchased an Atlanta based company called Southern Images. She moved it to Dallas, traveling across the United States photographing gymnastics studios. while a Dallas-based staff handled office operations. During breaks from travel, her team suggested booking portrait sessions for her, and she agreed. That idea became the foundation of Southern Images Photography, which she operated until selling it several years ago.

In 1982 Susie was one of 32 women from the Garland Service League who founded the New Beginning Center. Its mission continues today as Hope's Door New Beginning Center of Plano.

In her retirement years, Susie rekindled a friendship with Paul Fuller and the two became devoted companions. Both understood that theirs was a relationship destined to be short, so they lived every minute. Together they traveled across the United States and into Europe, sharing the Autumn years of life. Susie quickly made her place in Paul's gigantic family.

Susie is survived by:

Her son, Christopher Nelson Bailey, and daughter-in-law, April Bailey
Her grandsons, Connor and Colin Bailey
Nieces, Sharon Cole Turner and husband, Blake; Karen Cole and husband, Rob Cook
Samantha Nelson
David Nelson
Great niece and nephews

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil Melton Nelson and Marcella Alma Rowe

·  Sister, Grace Bulah Cole and husband Wayne Cole

·  Brother, David Rowe Nelson

·  Former husband Howard Bailey

As she requested, her remains will be cremated and her ashes scattered in Big Bend National Park where she again will be joined with her good friend Dana Herring.