Susan Turner Williams Colsky

Williams, Susan Turner, 81, passed away on December 23, 2021 after a short illness.
Affectionately known to her family as “sweet Suzee from South Miami,” she was truly one of the kindest, most genuinely loving people any of us has ever known, despite her occasional mean streak— she did enjoy jumping out and scaring us all half to death.
A native of Miami, her early years were spent playing at the rock pit near her home off 62nd avenue, or helping at her father’s hardware store—Denning Feed—on Sunset Drive. She attended 9th grade at West Miami Middle School the first year it opened, and always remembered that year fondly— hosting parties for the Social Club, and writing a play in Latin called “Pigmalion” which earned first prize at the state level. She graduated from Coral Gables Senior High, and went on to the University of Florida—but remained just two credits shy of graduation: she simply couldn’t bear to complete the physical education requirement.
After college she began her career as a social worker, but in the mid ‘60s she was moonlighting as a folk singer in coffee houses, and dabbling in stained glass production, when she discovered her love for jewelry design. She created unique pieces in her unmistakable style for private clients at the Rock and Shell jewelry shop throughout the 1980s. In 1972, she married Eugene E. Williams and, together, they traveled extensively throughout the United States, visiting historical sites and enabling her to collect the beautiful antiques she used to decorate her home. Always an eager hostess, their home was often the site of theme parties that would have been the envy of Martha Stewart: full of perfectly appointed decorations, and delicious food that Suzee made herself, no matter the size of the guestlist.
In an age when many women were ‘housewives,’ she was truly a ‘homemaker’—providing a warm and welcoming home full of love and laughter (and an endless supply of home-made cupcakes). She was a devoted mother to their only daughter, Kristyl, and a ‘second mother’ to many others. She saw the best in all of us, and was always eager to tell us so. A natural counselor, she would step in with priceless advice when asked, and happily support our decisions regardless.
Suzee loved to take care of people and animals—and both were drawn to her. Her free time was often spent shopping, so she always carried the aroma of Macy’s with her. She could never sit still for long, but you might occasionally find her reading a cookbook or a great work of fiction. Infinitely curious and always game to try something new, she embraced new technology with determination, and new adventures with poise. She was constantly positive and hopeful, never deterred by obstacles or problems—likely because her unshakeable faith in Jesus gave her confidence no matter the circumstances.
She and Gene spent more than 30 years together; a perfect pair, they were devoted to one another. After his death, she married Sol Colsky, with whom she enjoyed many more years of shopping, eating out, and frequenting the Palm Beach Pops. In her later years, she dedicated herself full time to being a grandmother—admiring her grandchildren’s every talent or proclivity, laughing at each humorous deed, and, joining in with every game—especially, playing pirates with Deacon.
She is survived by Kristyl, her daughter and friend; her adoring son-in-law Bart; and her three beloved grandchildren, whom she believed were (as any grandmother should) the most beautiful and most brilliant children in the world: Lachlann, Cannon and Deacon. She is also survived by beloved family and friends, including Thelma Zepeda and Boris Zepeda—whom she considered her son.
Although we grieve her absence, we know that we will be reunited with her.
A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 11am at Miami Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 922997, Norcross, GA  30010, or to Paws 4 You Rescue P.O. Box 561163,  Miami, FL 33256-1163