Susan Janet Smart

Susan Janet Smart, loved by all who knew her, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 15th at Lake Burton, Georgia.

Susan was born in Dayton, Ohio on November 1st, 1942.  She and her husband, Bill Smart who preceded her in death, were married for 53 years.  Susan and Bill lived in Ypsilanti, Michigan before relocating to Lake Burton in 2004.  Susan attended Eastern Michigan University and studied Occupational Therapy and dedicated her early career to helping her students develop life skills. Later in her career, Susan transitioned to provide career guidance to students graduating from Eastern Michigan University.

In retirement, Susan and Bill moved to the family summer home on Lake Burton in northeast Georgia.  At Lake Burton, they built a new home and an expanded circle of friends.  Bill and Susan were active in the Clayton Presbyterian Church and Susan enjoyed volunteering with Rabun County Food Ministries and at the Clayton Hospital. Susan's other favorite pastimes included painting, book club, bible study, and boat rides on the lake. 

Surviving family members include daughter Melissa and her longtime mate Phillip Belcher of Longcreek, South Carolina and son Kevin and his wife Cathy and their daughters Morgan and Madeleine of Bend, Oregon.  Other close family includes Susan's sister-in-law Dee DeBra and family, sister-in-law Margaret Craft and family, and sister-in-law Linda Smart and family and extended family including cousins and other relatives in Georgia, Michigan and Ontario, Canada.

Susan was generous in spirit and dedicated her life to family and assisting others.  

A memorial service for Susan will be held on Friday, June 30th, at 11:00 am at the Clayton Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Clayton Presbyterian Church at PO Box 734, Clayton, GA 30525 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. or P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN  38101-9908.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is honored to serve the family of Susan Janet Smart. Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

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