Susan Rainey Wailes September 19, 1938 – December 15, 2025

Susan Rainey Wailes, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and educator, went home to be with the Lord on December 15, 2025 at the age of 87, surrounded by family. She was born on September 19, 1938, in Atlanta, Georgia, a daughter of the late Marvin and Sue Rainey. Susan grew up in Virginia and attended James Madison University, where she was a proud member of Sigma Kappa sorority and graduated with a degree in Early Education.

Susan began her passionate teaching career in Alexandria, Virginia, and later accepted a position with the Department of Defense, teaching at Patrick Henry Village on a U.S. Army base in Heidelberg, Germany. During her time abroad, she traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Holy Land, and Northern Africa. It was in Heidelberg that she met the love of her life, Robert A. Wailes Jr., and they married on June 12, 1965. The couple returned to the United States in 1966 and settled in Brevard County, Florida, where Susan became an active member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

Susan found great joy in her family, her church family, and the lifelong friendships she cherished deeply. She loved traveling, cooking, cheering on the Florida Gators, and wholeheartedly supporting and celebrating her grandchildren in all they pursued. A gracious and joyful host, Susan created a warm and welcoming home where friends and family were always gathering. She filled every room with laughter and was known for telling the very best stories.

Susan dedicated more than three decades to shaping young minds, teaching second and fourth grade at Croton Elementary, Suntree Elementary, and Sherwood Elementary from 1966 until her retirement in 1999. Beyond the classroom, she was deeply involved in her community as a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the Red Hat Society, Eastminster Presbyterian Church office, and the King Center.

Susan is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Robert A. Wailes Jr.; her sons and daughters-in-law, Robert A. Wailes III and his wife Susan of Indian Harbour Beach, and Marvin R. Wailes and his wife Serena of Acworth, Georgia; and her cherished grandchildren, Tyler Wailes, Robert A. Wailes IV, Davis Wailes, Ethan Wailes, Lydia Wailes, and Matthew Wailes. She will be remembered for her love of teaching, her adventurous spirit, and her unwavering kindness.

A Celebration of Susan’s beautiful life will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday January 3rd at 11am. For those friends and family who are not able to attend, you can join us virtually using the link provided: http://www.YouTube.com/@Eastminster321

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Susan’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association.

https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNQZNCYXKB&lang=en-US