SUSAN ELAINE WINROW

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

Susan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, friend, and colleague. One who always put the needs and interests of others first, and one who was persistent in advocating for fairness and justice for the family she loved, and the children she worked for. Susan’s smile and laugh enlightened any room she was in. Susan loved God and her spiritual life was demonstrated through her tireless commitment, and support of her family and friends. One of her most beloved talents was cooking and her detailed presentation of her food recipes. It meant a lot to Susan that people enjoying her food felt valued. Susan also enjoyed dancing, family gatherings, and simply laughing.

The memories of Susan are dear to everyone she touched and encountered. We are all saddened by her transition and will miss her presence from this earth. But God needed her far more with Him, so we should rejoice and know that Susan is now at rest. She will continue to touch our lives and look over us from Heaven.

On Christmas Day, December 25, 1961, Susan Elaine Simmons Winrow was born to her parents Joe L. Simmons and Gloria J. (Lampley) Simmons in San Antonio, Texas. Susan grew up in San Antonio, Texas where she attended and graduated from East Central High School. Here, Susan was the first Black head cheerleader. Following high school, Susan served in the United States Air Force from 1981-1986. Susan then completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science, Education at Incarnate Word University (Magna Cum Laude), and she completed her Master’s Degree in Education, Special Education and Teaching from Grand Canyon University.

Susan later would realize her passion for children when she began working in the Harlandale Independent School District from 1999-2022. Over the course of Susan’s career as a special education teacher and Admissions, Review and Dismissal (ARD) facilitator, she advocated and touched the lives of countless students and their families, providing them with the care and support they needed during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Her teaching career spanned over 25 years with the last ten years as an ARD Facilitator. She was known for her calming presence and her unwavering commitment to her students’ well-being. Susan was a master teacher, who loved her students and co-workers. She worked tirelessly for all young persons, helping them pursue their goals and achieve success. She never stopped preaching the importance of education and the difference that learning impacts one’s life.

Susan Simmons Winrow was united in holy matrimony to Charles Winrow on March 15, 2005. During their 18 years of marriage, they raised and cared for a blended family of five children collectively. Susan loved her work and the children and families that she advocated for.  Her heart and greatest joy landed with her husband, Charles, children, David Wayne Alexander, II and Caitlin Jean Williams; and her stepdaughter and stepsons. Susan was lovingly known to her siblings and immediate family as “Lane” and to her numerous nieces as nephews as “Auntie Lane”.  She is survived by her husband, Charles; son, David Wayne Alexander, II (Teresa); daughter, Caitlin Jean Williams; mother, Gloria J. Simmons; her grandchildren, Corazon Alexander, and I’keen Williams; her brothers, Joey Lester Simmons, Jr. (Vickie), and Jay Lydell Simmons (Mary); and sister, Sherri Yvonne Simmons-Horton (Derrick). She is also survived by numerous extended family, close friends, and professional colleagues.