Susan Belle Smith (Perry)

Susan Belle Perry Smith, beloved daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother passed away at home in Oklahoma City on December 17, 2022, at the age of 83

Susan was born December 28, 1938, in Knoxville, TN to Belle and Ronald Perry.  She was the daughter of a career Army officer who traveled the world.  Her family was one of the first American families to live in Germany after the end of World War II.  Susan graduated from high school in Yokohama, Japan and declared her ambition and calling to become a nurse.  The family moved to Dearborn, Michigan where she attended Henry Ford College until her marriage to John Goins of Great Falls, SC.  Susan earned her Nursing degree at Montgomery Technical Institute in Stanley County, NC while raising their four children.  She loved her career as a nurse, both in the hospital and as a private nurse, and especially enjoyed her work in the newborn nursery.

Susan moved to Oklahoma City in 1979 when she married J. V. Smith and started the next chapter of her life.  They loved to travel with family and friends to many fun and interesting destinations.  She was a member of the Oklahoma Hospitality Club, Phi Beta Psi Women’s Sorority and was a generous supporter of many charities benefiting Oklahoma City.  They were members of Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Susan enjoyed many activities—playing tennis, tap dancing, and Bible Study Fellowship.  

Susan lived life to the fullest and brought enthusiasm and a fun-loving spirit to everything she did.  She was an avid reader and loved learning about ancient history.  Kind, patient, and supportive, Susan enjoyed being around friends and family, especially her grandchildren. The world is a lesser place without her, and she will be dearly missed by her loved ones. 

Susan is predeceased by her husband, parents, and sisters Patricia Holland and Rhonda Abernathy.  She is survived by her children, Debra Bair (Jack) of Oklahoma City, Melissa Tausche (Edward) of Blowing Rock, NC, John Goins of Oklahoma City, and Ronald Goins (Linda) of Gaffney, SC,  grandchildren, Hailey Bair of New York, NY, Chandler Bair (Peter Walker) of San Francisco, CA, Darmody Tausche, of Blowing Rock, NC, Casey Ward (Nick) and great-grandson Eli of Gaffney, SC, and Ron Goins (Lilia) of Ft. Bragg, NC.  

A private memorial service was held on January 6.  In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org/Oklahoma) or a favorite charity of choice.