Susan Bible Jessup

Susan Bible Jessup, 73, of Gainesville, Georgia passed away quietly on February 13, 2019 after an extended illness.  A Gainesville resident since 1971, Susan deeply loved her family, friends, church, community and God.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, George and Irene Bible of LaFayette, Georgia and her mother-in-law, Lillie Mae Jessup, and her father-in-law, Ben Jessup, of Cochran, Georgia. She is survived by her devoted husband, Wayne M. Jessup and their children: Rusty Jessup, Randy Jessup (Amy) and Janna Jessup Mallis (Spears), all of Gainesville; sister Charlotte Wardlaw (Jimmy) of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee; and five grandchildren: Ben, John and Elizabeth Jessup, and Lillie and Sam Mallis, all of Gainesville.

Susan grew up on the pristine and picturesque Mountain Cove Farms, a working cattle farm in northwest Georgia near Lookout Mountain.  Her father managed and later owned Mountain Cove Farms which was known for its prime Hereford livestock.  Susan deeply enjoyed farm life which involved caring for the livestock and playing with the farm workers’ children who also lived at the farm.  Susan showed livestock through her participation in 4-H and won many state and national awards.  She graduated from LaFayette High School, where she was Student Council President and a member of the basketball team.  Susan attended the University of Georgia, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Home Economics, served as President of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, and was a member of Mortar Board.  Susan would be an avid Georgia Bulldogs fan for the rest of her days, especially of the football and gymnastics programs.  It was at the University of Georgia where she met Wayne Jessup, who would become her husband of 51 years. Continuing her love of 4-H, Susan served as a counselor at Camp Rock Eagle for three summers in college.  To prepare for a teaching career, she later earned a Master’s in Education at Brenau University.

Susan worked with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service in Cobb, Baldwin and Hall Counties.  She and Wayne chose to move to Gainesville to raise their family. Susan was a devoted and involved member of First Baptist Church in Gainesville, and her faith was a cornerstone of who she was.  Susan served her community as President of the Junior League of Gainesville and was a dedicated volunteer for many local causes. As her children grew older, Susan became a beloved science and math teacher at Gainesville Middle School for 15 years before retiring in 2005.  She loved attending her students’ sports events and following them through their academic and athletic careers at GHS.

However, it was her husband, children, and later her grandchildren who were the real lights of her life.  She was a devoted wife and mother, and a legendary cook and hostess. She rarely missed a family members’ ballgame, performance, or achievement, and loved opportunities to teach and share. Energetic, active, and outgoing, she loved traveling, attending sporting events, and sharing educational enrichment activities with her grandchildren.  Susan was a natural care giver and supported and cared for many aging couples at First Baptist.  She was a special friend to many as she was an easy talker and great listener - she had a special gift of making others feel open and at ease. Susan was a giver and not a taker.  She made you want to be a better person, and all who knew her are blessed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Susan’s memory to the First Baptist Church Ministry of Caring, in care of First Baptist Church, 751 Green St.  Gainesville, GA  30501, or the local charity of your choice.

The Jessup family will receive friends at a visitation on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the First Baptist Church Banquet Hall.  A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Gainesville on Friday, February 22 at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary.

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, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.