Obituary for Suzanne Sargent

Suzanne, a servant of the Lord, passed Thursday, September 17. Her biggest regret with the end of life other than leaving her family was that she could no longer serve her church. She was the first born child of Jack and Katherine Spratt in Amarillo December 6, 1943. Her dad was teaching bomber maintenance. They moved to Lubbock in 1945 where she lived until her marriage to Harry Sargent September 5, 1964. Their nine month romance was the result of meeting in the Texas Tech Band. She leaves her husband of 51 years.

They were blessed with four married children, Robin Otterstetter of Lakewood, Colorado, Wendy Reker of Thompson Station, Tennessee, Andy Sargent of Lake Jackson, and Twig Sargent serving in the Navy currently in Gulfport, Mississippi. They have 13 grandchildren from age 4 to 18.

She is survived by her siblings Carl David Spratt and Carol Jane Spratt.

Suzanne was a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader as the kids were coming along. She was also an active Band parent beginning the practice to provide water for the kids as they practiced and marched and at football games.

She was asked to teach 2 year olds by a retiring teacher for Mrs. Boggs. She moved after a few years to the First United Methodist School for Little people. She taught a total of 27 years. She remembered many of their names and their mothers. They also remembered her. She constantly cut out pictures and planned lessons year round.

For 17 years she and her husband participated in the "His Love" Emergency Room Host program at Brazosport Community Hospital once a month on a weekend night. They began at the hospital adjacent to Dow and moved with them to the current facility. They held babies, entertained children, consoled families, communicated status to family members, and even found themselves driving a patient to Galveston at 2 AM. They developed a close relationship with the nurses.

She was a member of the ladies PEO Alpha Chi chapter and loved the relationships which grew from such a supportive, loving group.

She was on the Habitat for Humanity family selection committee.

She was on the board of Faith in Action, a Christian weekend work camp organization unique to Brazosport. Her primary role was to provide meals for the teams on work weekends.

But her primary love was her church, First United Methodist Church beginning in 1967. She worked with the Youth from 1969 till shortly before her death. Every Sunday evening she made meals for the Intermediate to High School members. In the early years she and Harry organized the games and programs Intermediate students. She loved the annual Pancake Supper in February, a fund raiser for the youth. But more importantly and opportunity for the Intermediate School youth of serve their church cooking, serving, and cleaning. This event dates back to 1964.

Suzanne took a personal delight in helping coordinate the HS Senior luncheon in May recognizing the graduates of the church. She would begin calling in March to be sure the honorees would plan to attend.

For 18 years, she was a kitchen coordinator for UM Army, a one week summer work camp for typically 100 high school or college kids in many east Texas towns. Her last camp was 2013 after her cancer had returned and before it was diagnosed. An aching back did not prevent her from staying up late, sleeping on the floor, and rising early at St. Paul's in Houston. She always told the kids that they should not go to bed hungry. They never did.

She was the nucleus of the Funeral Guild in memory of her parent's funerals. Her caller ID became a recognizable prompt by the membership that someone had passed and a reception or meal was needed.

She was a long time member of the Wedding Guild to guide young couples in their planning, rehearsal, and vows. She also had a collection of linen table cloths to enhance the receptions.

Few knew that she maintained the supplies for the church kitchen.

She took responsibility for the Salvation Army's Angel Tree in the church. Church members provided gifts for needy children.

Suzanne was a chairperson for Society of St. Stephen, a group formed in the 1980's by First and Chaplewood United Methodists and Christ Lutheran. St Stephen was begun by Judge Woodrow Seals in Houston at his church. Indigent families were given financial care which could consist of utilities, rent, gasoline, temporary housing, food, or prescriptions. The group of ladies and gentlemen typically spent a little over $100 per case amounting to over $50 K annually.

She was a finalist for Citizen of the Year for the Facts in their first year of the program.

The Church Youth recently recognized her with a dinner and a memory blanket with pictures of her and her beloved youth.

She was surprised that the new sanctuary pews were given in her honor. A small, obscure, plaque as she preferred was mounted stating, "Given in Honor of Suzanne Sargent, Good and Faithful Servant."

During her time in hospice, many, many friends visited her in her home. A highlight was a visitation by the Brazoswood Band in her back yard. Each member spoke to her after the concert.

Her family shared in a private internment. A memorial will be held at her church, First United Methodist of Lake Jackson, Texas, Saturday, September 19 at 3 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Society of St Stephen fund of the First United Methodist Church of Lake Jackson, Brazoswood Buc Band, or His Love Christian Counseling Services.

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