Our mom, Susan Richdale Talley Dabney (“Susannah”) was born June 4, 1941 and went to be with her Jesus on Monday, January 29, 2018 at the age of 76. Susan passed away at her home surrounded by her family following a long-term illness. She began her journey with Jesus at the age of seven and lived as His servant seeking the lost and loving the poor. Susan and her husband of 58½ years, Jack, followed Jesus together. Their trust in GOD produced a rich heritage of family who know and trust Jesus, many saints equipped for ministry, and much of the world they encountered coming to experience the love of GOD and faith in Jesus through them. Susan poured herself out wherever GOD led them from Milton, WV; Cross Lanes, WV; Virginia Beach, VA; Oklahoma City, OK; Tirana, Albania; and Bryan, TX. She served in her home, the homes of friends and family, orphanages, dumps, ministries to the poor and the homeless, inner city schools, the streets, prisons, hospitals, youth ministries, and the Church. There was no place she would not follow her Jesus.
With the presence and power of GOD, Susan often found the lost and shared the Good News of Jesus with thousands of people. It was common for us to see her hold a weeping stranger with whom she had just shared the love of Jesus. She would ask, “Have you heard the good news?” “No,” a stranger would answer. “Jesus loves you,” she would say. Her sharing produced fruits of salvation and healing on many occasions. Susan was a beautiful expression of GOD’s love for the lost. As a lover of the poor, we remember her for saying and living, “Joy is when the poor know your name.” The poor know her name. And, she knew theirs.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents Charles Earl Talley Sr. and Claire Elizabeth (Titsworth) Talley. She has a large family and each one will miss her profoundly. Her living family includes her high-school sweetheart and husband John Vincent “Jack” Dabney, her brother Charles Earl Talley Jr. (Susan). Additionally, Jack and Susannah have nine married children; Elizabeth Page (Murray), Laura Berkeley (Keith), Jenna Dalessandro (Brian), Susannah Wynn “Wyndi” Bradley (Bryan), Hannah Ayers (Kevin), Marian Coleman (Wade), Esther Kerr (Rich), Sarah Bendure (Derek), John Dabney (Helen). Jack and Susannah also have 31 grandchildren; Will (Jamie), Eli, Aaron (Michelle), Preston, Nell, Hannah (Joshua), Austin, Addison, Susannah-Katherine “Anna-Kate”, Ayden, Asa, Joshua, Christopher, Micah, Charis “Cara Beth”, Noah, Jonatan, Jacqueline, Robinson, Jonathan, James, Elizabeth, Jenna, Wyndi, Paula, Jack, Bernadette, and one grandbaby on the way; and they have two great grandchildren Gavin and Gabe.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the poor (Proverbs 19:17). Susan loved the poor deeply. It was a garment she wore with grace.
The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 6 to 8 pm, Thursday February 1, 2018 at Callaway Jones Funeral Center, 3001 S College Ave in Bryan. Funeral services are set for 10 am Friday, February 2 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3333 Oak Ridge Dr. in Bryan.
Losing a loved one can be one of the hardest things we have to face yet in this harsh world, but we have hope through the Bible, so hold on to it. You don’t have to grieve alone and Jehovah doesn’t want you to – so please take comfort in Psalm 62:2 it reads- Indeed, he is my rock and my salvation, my secure refuge; I will never be greatly shaken.
Jack and family we send our love, thoughts and prayers. Our hearts are sad and heavy for each of you and yet we must smile and rejoice at the knowledge of Susan entering the presence of her Lord and Savior. We have never met a more precious person than Susan. She will truly be missed by all who loved her. We pray for God to give each of you peace and comfort.
Sarah, You and your entire family are in my prayers. I am praying for peace, comfort and the knowledge that your Mom is in the Greatest place of all- I am sure Our Lord Jesus opened his arms to comfort her and welcome her. I wish I could ease each of your pain and grief…Know you are loved dearly. When you get back, let me know if there is anything I can help you with.
May you all experience the blessed presence and comfort of our Lord in His loving care. You are in our hearts and prayers today.
With a very heartfelt sympathy, we are so sorry for your loss. We wish we could be by your side. All of our love is with the entire Dabney family.
We weep with those who weep and also rejoice with those who rejoice. I know that Susan Dabney is rejoicing as her journey on earth and the pain she suffered at the end are now past. Her love for her Lord was always so obvious, so there is no doubt she is with Him. We do weep, however, because we have lost a dear friend who shared her love and family with the Sepko family. Ken and I have both lost all of our parents, so we know the void their passing has left in our lives. We will be praying for all of you as you face a life without her.
Jack and family, we send our condolences and prayers, and we celebrate Susan and her amazing life. May her memory live on and inspire many. Much love, Brock and Amanda Bingaman
We will always be thankful for your love and friendship that span many years. Susan was a wonderful example of the perfect and never failing love of our Savior Jesus Christ. She will be missed by those here who loved her so much. We can only imagine the joy in Heaven as she entered the gates. Our heartfelt prayers go out to your family. We miss you and wish we could be there with you.
We will always be thankful for your love and friendship that span many years. Susan was a wonderful example of the perfect and never failing love of our Savior Jesus Christ. She will be missed by those here who loved her so much. We can only imagine the joy in Heaven as she entered the gates. Our heartfelt prayers go out to your family. We miss you and wish we could be there with you.
I will always remember Susan’s smile, caring and love for everyone no matter who they were. Her smile was beyond all smiles on earth. Her silent clowning with Jack was incredible and so was her praise dancing ! I loved how we always sang Happy Birthday to Jesus on Christmas and Susan said they always had birthday cake at their house on Christmas mornings. There never will be another Susan Dabney. She was a true gift from God, a true servant that was full of his wonderful grace and joy. God wrap your arms around the Dabney family and all that need it . I love you all.
Jack we just learned of Susan passing.
We talked to Joe and Effie let us know. We remember both of you with love. David and I hope you are doing well. We know she’s with her Lord. You will have you and the family in our prayers.