Mary Susan King of Monticello, Fla., passed away at home on Nov. 24, 2020, at the age of 77. She is dearly missed and remembered by everyone she knew, for her kindness, generosity, beauty, elegance and grace. She is mourned by her husband of 52 years, Kenneth King; her son, Michael, and his wife, Nicole, of Nashville, Tenn.; and her sister, Jeanna Gorman (Tom), and her family in Olympia, Wash.; and many nephews and nieces and their children.
Susan was born in Long Beach, Calif. on May 6, 1942, to Paul and Mary O’Neill. She attended Long Beach State University where she studied Home Economics and Elementary Education and belonged to the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. During high school and college, she modeled clothes and participated in a number of beauty pageants.
Soon after marrying Ken, she embarked on a global adventure – living and working in countries in Southeast Asia and South America for over half a decade before returning to the US and eventually settling in Clearwater, Fla., and starting a family. During their extensive travels, they were able to visit most of the United States and experience the culture of over 70 countries. Susan was the ultimate team mom, raising not only Michael but often feeding and caring for every teammate and friend he had.
Ken and Susan retired to North Florida almost 20 years ago, where Susan truly embraced the ranching life at Aucilla Hammock Plantation. The fresh air and country living suited her more than she ever imagined. Her extended ranch family – Mary, Joe, Todd and the many children of friends and relatives that were able to experience the landscape and wildlife at Aucilla Hammock, will all miss her dearly.
A memorial service will be held with family members at a later date. The family is especially grateful to the Mayo Clinic, who provided treatment and care that allowed her to enjoy her life to the fullest during the past five years.