Sue Lafever

Sue LaFever, 82, passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in St. Louis, Missouri surrounded by family. Born in Baltimore, Maryland on May 11, 1938, Suzanne Irene was the daughter of the late Warren and Mary Jane Owings Schafer. While she did live 3 years in Trieste, Italy, she spent the majority of her youth in the Baltimore area. She made lifelong friends when she attended Arundel High School, and she graduated in 1956. In 1958, Sue joined her parents and younger brothers in Straubing, Germany, where her father was stationed at the time. It was there that she met and married 1st Lieutenant Billy LaFever, who grew up in Cookeville, Tennessee, and they began a love story that spanned almost 60 years until his death in 2017. Prior to settling in St. Louis in 1971, Bill and Sue’s growing family lived in Texas, Maryland, Tennessee, Washington, and Heidelberg, Germany. As a military wife, she was strong and independent when she needed to be, especially while Bill served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Whether you knew her as a mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor, or friend, you could not help but be touched by her warmth, kindness, and love. Truly a woman who led by example, Sue embodied a life of service to family, God, and community. An active parishioner of St. Richard Parish for 50 years, she volunteered and supported countless activities benefitting the parish, the school, and the community including outreach through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. She treasured the friendship and fellowship found in the Holy Hatters, Ladies’, and Leisure clubs. Sue cherished phone calls and visits from her grandchildren and loved family gatherings, flowers, military bands, and musical theatre. Trips back to Baltimore for annual 3rd and 4th of July celebrations and vacations to Bethany Beach, Delaware are particularly memorable. Sue is survived by her five children, Julie McGeorge, Will (Lisa), Robert (Karen), James LaFever, and Patricia (Rob) Binek; nine grandchildren, Patrick, Michael, Shelley, Brian (Emreigh), Christopher, Matthew, Alyssa, Susie and Thomas; one great-grandchild, Max; two brothers, Bob Schafer of Baldwin, Maryland and George (Cindy) Schafer of Alexandria, Virginia; sister-in-law, Mary Schafer of Crisfield, Maryland; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, her brother, Clyde Schafer, her sister-in-law, Karen Schafer, her son-in-law, Bob McGeorge, and her dear cousin, Mary Katherine Blair. Sue will be greatly missed by family and friends. Her sweet presence and generous spirit made a difference in the world. Graveside services and interment were held Sunday April 18 at 12:30 pm at Cookeville City Cemetery. Father Aby Thanickal officiated. Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.