Suzanne Whitehead Phillips

Suzanne Whitehead Phillips, 61, passed away peacefully on June 30,2023, surrounded in the serenity of her loving family.

Suzanne was born April 3, 1962, in Gainesville, Georgia to the late Alma Jane “Janie” Midyette Whitehead and the late Carl T. Whitehead, Jr. Growing up in Gainesville, she endeared herself to her family and lifelong friends. She was a proud 1980 graduate of Lakeview Academy where she honed her skills at competitive tennis and basketball and the fine art of making friends. Upon graduation, Suzanne attended the University of Georgia where she obtained a degree in Fashion Merchandising. During her college years, she was a devoted sister in the Phi Mu sorority and an honored little sister for the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. 

Upon graduation, Suzanne embarked upon her career in fashion sales. She was employed by the Rich’s Department Store in Atlanta and Augusta and later Carol’s Closet in Gainesville. After seven years in the business world, Suzanne conquered her greatest and most fitting occupation and calling. As an affectionate and devoted wife, and nurturing and loving mother, she set the standard for the concept of matriarch of the home.

 Immersing herself in the activities of her family, Suzanne found her hours lovingly involved in coaching basketball and soccer, and giving motherly support to football teams, baseball teams, and Boy Scouting activities. In support of her husband, Suzanne lent her time and talents to the Georgia Dental Association Mission of Mercy Program, the Georgia Academy of Dental Practice social activities, and the Hinman Dental Society of Atlanta Auxiliary programs. 

Suzanne loved outdoor activities, which was extremely fortuitous considering that she lived with a husband and two sons. She enjoyed golfing, snow skiing, water sports, “lake time,” and bird hunting with Chipper, Bailey, Mac, and Bosco her canine family members. She was also drawn to the Atlanta Braves and all University of Georgia athletic events. Suzanne refueled her competitive spirit through tennis and her tennis team members whom she dearly loved.

 In her leisure time, Suzanne loved gardening and all things associated with flowers. She also enjoyed traveling with her family, adult friends, and college roommates. Bringing people together was her favorite pastime. She was continuously organizing a party for friends, birthday event for family, holiday gathering, or simply a college game day tailgate. 

Community responsibility was a serious allegiance that Suzanne carried. She was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County where she co-chaired the 1995 and 1996 Charity Ball. She served on the Housing Committee for Lake Lanier in preparation for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and she deepened her love for flora and flower arranging through her membership in the Laurel Garden Club of Gainesville. She especially enjoyed her community work through the Northeast Georgia Medical Center Foundation where she served on support committees for the Medical Center Open Golf Tournament and was co-chair of the 2000 Marketplace. Having a soft spot in her heart for our furry friends, she also served on the Event Committee for the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia’s “Art With a Heart” fundraiser. Her spirit of giving back to her friends and community was also validated through her service to the Chattahoochee Country Club Heritage Committee and Tennis Committee. With unfaltering love for the University of Georgia, Suzanne was a member of the Parents Council and the Phi Gamma Delta Mother’s Club while her sons attended. She was also a Life Member of the UGA Alumni Association.

 A woman of deep faith, Suzanne was a lifelong member of Gainesville First United Methodist Church where she worked in Vacation Bible School, served on the Staff-Parish Relations Committee, Flower Guild, Church Council, co-chaired the mission of the “Great Day of Service,” and co-chaired the MAC Basketball Tournament for sports missions.

 Suzanne is survived by her husband, Dr. Randall “Randy” Phillips; sons and daughter-in-law Austin and Wade (Katy) Phillips; sister Charlotte “Cissy” Belson (Bob) of Clarkesville, GA ; brothers Carl T. Whitehead, III of Cleveland, GA and Lance Whitehead (Sheila) of Tallahassee, FL; aunts Alice Paris of Gainesville, Patty Barker of Boston, GA, and Sara P. Morgan of Dacula, GA; nieces Katelyn Belson of Atlanta, Whitney Howard (Joe) of Thomasville, GA; nephews Travis Belson of Clarkesville, and Taylor Whitehead (Hana), Tanner Whitehead, and Tyler Whitehead of Cleveland. She is also survived by close cousins “brothers and sisters”: Trey Paris (Sandra) and Elizabeth Hagood of Atlanta, Payne H. Midyette, III (Marilyn) of Williamsburg, VA, Mary Hill Bishopric (Mark) of Eden, NC and Aren Moncrief (Ward) of Tallahassee. 

The family wishes to express special gratitude to Suzanne’s fabulous caregiver and confidant, Ackma Captan-Sudue.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Suzanne to:

Gainesville First United Methodist Church
2780 Thompson Bridge Road
Gainesville, GA 30506

Asbury Chapel
P.O. Box 797
Gainesville, GA 30503

Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation
https://www.nghs.com/foundation

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Attn: Liz Francois, Office of Development
PO Box 27106
New York, NY 10087

Or Online at:
http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/InMemoryofSuzannePhillips                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July11 at 2:00pm at the Gainesville First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506. There will be a reception immediately following at the Chattahoochee Country Club, 3000 Club Drive, Gainesville, GA 30506.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of  arrangements.