Susie Nell (Rainwater) Wilson

Susie Nell Wilson, 86, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, after a number of health complications following a cancer diagnosis. She passed peacefully in her home of more than 50 years, where she had been surrounded by family and friends.

Susie was the center, the rock, the constant for so many – she was a loving mother, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her welcoming spirit kept her doors open to any and all who needed respite. Taking care of her children and grandchildren, no matter their age, was one of her greatest joys in life. Her home was the hub for family gatherings, holidays, weddings, birthdays, remembrances. No one left hungry – she fed us all with an attentive ear, a needed hug, or sage advice. Susie was always humble and kind and earned the nickname “Sweet Susie” from many that knew her and her unconditional love.

She would likely call herself first a proud mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. But Susie had a variety of interests and skills. She was a committed gardener, an avid reader, a natural cook, and a constant learner. Susie was a practical problem solver. An understanding listener. And wise enough to know which of those skills to offer when.

Susie was born in Wright City, Oklahoma to Myrtle (Dunlap) Rainwater and Jiles Alfred Rainwater and grew up in Wright City with her mother and sister Lucy Pradmore. She went to high school in Wright City, met her husband Vinson Lee Wilson in Branson and they eventually moved to the Kansas City area. Susie enjoyed a long career as an executive assistant at the University of Missouri Kansas City Pharmacy School. Susie and Vinson had four children: James Daniel, Tammy Sue, Guy Keith, and Amy Lee.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents Myrtle and Jiles, her husband Vinson, her sister Lucy, and her eldest son James Daniel.

She is survived by her three Children: Tammy Duvall (Greg) of Raytown, Guy Wilson (Mary Nell) of Lenexa, Amy Spires of Lee’s Summit, Gary Wilson, stepson, Steven Eldridge, son-in- law, and Cindy Wilson, daughter-in-law. Grandchildren: Susie Boyd (Tim), Vinson Brown, Loren Wilson, Rowan Wilson, Justin Spires, Dylan Spires, and Jazzlyn Spires. Great Grandchildren: Matthew Boyd (Mara), Lucas Boyd (McKieah), Aubree Boyd, and Aiden Boyd.

She loved and cared for Vinson’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as well, being survived by step Grandchildren: Rebecca Wilson, Jeff Wilson (Sheila), Crystal Wilson, Jill Dominguez (Jonas), and step Great Grandchildren: Tony Jones, Brendan Wilson, Destinee Wilson, Karisa Wilson, Joshua Dominguez, Gabriel Dominguez, Hunter Wilson (Madison), Hannah Davis (Nathan), Hope Wilson, Christian Wilson, Christina Wilson, Christiana Wilson, and four great-great grandchildren. Susie was also a beloved Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

The following three verses were especially meaningful to Susie and serve as a wonderful reminder of who she strived to be. May we all endeavor to achieve such a meaningful and loving life in Susie’s memory:

Remember Me
Remember me when flowers bloom
Early in the spring
Remember me on sunny days
In the fun that summer brings
Remember me in the fall
As you walk through the leaves of gold
And in the wintertime – remember me
In the stories that are told
But most of all remember
Each day – right from the start
I will be forever near
For I live within your heart
– Author Judith Bulock

Today
Outside my window, a new day I see,
Only I can determine what kind of day it will be.
It can be busy and sunny, laughing and gay,
Or boring and cold, unhappy and grey.
My own state of mind is the determining key,
For I am the person I let myself be.
I can be thoughtful and do all I can to help,
Or be selfish, and think just of myself,
I can enjoy what I do and make it seem fun,
Or gripe and complain and make it hard on someone.
I can be patient with those who may not understand,
Or belittle and hurt them as much as I can.
But I have faith in myself, And believe what I say.
I personally intend to make the best of each day.
– Author Jan Lavalley

Success
To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate
beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a
garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.
– Author Bessie Anderson Stanley

Susie’s wishes were to be cremated and placed with her husband Vinson’s ashes. There is no planned ceremony. If you are moved to do something on Susie’s behalf, please contribute to your favorite charity in her name.