Dr. April "Suzy" Sue Fletcher

"Research is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought." ~ Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

Dr.  Suzy (Hughes) Fletcher

April Sue (Suzy) Fletcher, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026. Suzy was born March 27, 1946 in Biloxi, MS, first child to James and Hazel (Sparkmon) Hughes, and later resided in Church Hill, TN.

Suzy graduated from Church Hill High School and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from ETSU. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University, a Doctor of Nursing Science from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.  Suzy joined Indiana State University and quickly became a respected leader within the School of Nursing.  She served as Professor of Nursing and Director of the Master of Science in Nursing Program and was appointed Chair of Graduate Nursing Studies in 1985.  Suzy provided steady leadership marked by integrity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to academic excellence.  In 2002 she was named Interim Chair, a role that reflected the trust and respect she had earned across the University. Suzy was a distinguished nurse educator, researcher, and academic leader whose career spanned more than two decades of service to Indiana State University and the nursing profession.

During the 1980's, Suzy was actively involved in HIV/AIDS research amid widespread uncertainty and stigma. Her work contributed to advancing understanding, education, and compassionate care during a critical moment in public health history. Suzy was appointed to the National Institute of Health under the direction of Dr Anthony Faucci on the U.S. AIDS research program.

Suzy loved yardwork and growing different types of plants and different species of trees at her home in Terre Haute, Indiana. She was a member of the ISU Community Garden Club and became a Master Gardener. She loved cooking southern style food and was know for her famous tomato pie.

Suzy was preceded in death by her mother and father, James and Hazel Hughes; brother, Jimmy Hughes; and dearest friend, Deb Barnhart.

Survivors include her sisters Sandra Smith and husband George; Katy Chapman and husband Bruce; Janey Osborne and husband Buddy, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 1:30pm to 2pm on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Church Hill. A celebration of life service will follow with Rev. Buddy Osborne officiating. 

Carter-Trent Funeral Home Kingsport is serving the Fletcher family.