Susan D. Sheard

Susan Deason Mclendon Sheard died 17 September at the age of 59 from ovarian cancer.
She is preceded in death by her husband Steve.  She is survived by her son Dax Mclendon, his wife Brandi and their two children, Carson and Cash; her son Travis Mclendon; her daughter Amber Sheard and sons Hugh Sheard and Dean Sheard.  She is also survived by two siblings, Liz Purdee and David Cole, and her Uncle Corbett Colman.
From a young age, Susan was always a high-energy person who loved adventure, travel, music, and most especially, the beach.  After having Dax and Travis, and while working as a secretary at Union Camp, she enrolled in night courses and continued the difficult task of work by day, student by night, until she earned her Bachelors degree. While working as an IT professional Susan met, fell in love with, and married  Steven Sheard.  With a passion for travel, and the love of her life inspiring her to chase her dreams, Susan relocated to New Jersey and later to what became her second home, Australia.  Having Steve by her side, with his unending humor and her spirit of adventure, they traveled the world visiting amazing places and meeting amazing people.
Despite her drive to succeed, feisty spirit, and opinionated mind, Susan remained centered around her love of music and her love for her family.  She always encouraged those around her to follow their dreams, get outside of their comfort zone, and explore new things.  Gifts from Susan often came in the form of experiences vice material things.  She insisted, and made possible, the gathering of family and friends at every opportunity no matter the distances traveled.
Though cancer took her at too early of an age, she experienced this life with freedom, excitement, and joy.  Susan left this world much as she lived her life… on her own terms.  She will be missed by many, but her spirit and inspiration to others will continue long after her passing.