Obituary of Suzanne Bea Jessen

Suzanne “Sue” (Thomas) Jessen of Durham passed away at home on Friday, September 8, 2023, at the age of 76.  Sue was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Zelpha Cole and Alvis O. Thomas II. The family moved to Sparks, Nevada where Sue graduated from Sparks High School. In 1975, she met and fell in love with David Jessen. They were married in 1977 and embarked on a 46-year marriage as parents of 6, grandparents of 17 and great-grandparents of 9. 

Sue was an accomplished competitive equestrian.   She competed in many endurance horse rides including The Tevis Cup, a 100-mile endurance ride. Sue and her family were very proud when she crossed the finish line and received her Tevis Cup belt buckle.  Talented at many trades and hobbies, Sue enjoyed sewing, cooking, card making, archery, fishing, playing Bunco, being a HAM radio operator and learning American Sign Language. Under the auspices of her small business, ”Grma’ Sue’s Day Care,” she cared for many children for over 23 years. After her retirement from childcare, Sue was partner and office manager of Midway Mini Storage. Sue loved to travel with her husband and family. She toured several countries, states and many national parks.  If Sue wasn’t home, you could always find her RVing at her favorite campground.   

Sue is survived by her husband David Jessen of Durham, son Michael Jessen (Tami Jessen) of Magalia, daughter Melinda Jenkins (Chuck Jenkins) of Durham, daughter Julie Sears (Boyd Sears IV) of Chico, daughter Teresa Jessen of Salt Lake City, Utah, daughter Keri McIntyre (Joshua Lindsey) of Modesto, and daughter Suzie Jessen of Durham. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Durham Rotary: P.O. Box 383, Durham, Ca 95938.