Susan Kelly Fesperman

Heaven is decked out in bright colors to welcome this extraordinarily beautiful angel. Susan Kelly Fesperman passed away at the age of 55 after a long and courageous battle with neurosarcoidosis on Jan. 15, 2015. She was born on August 9, 1959, in Bristow, Okla., the youngest child of Betty and Levan Kelly.

She grew up in Bristow, where she enjoyed life in a small community developing many lifelong friendships and in being a Bristow Purple Pirate. At the age of 16, she met the love of her life, Lynn Fesperman. Susan went on to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi and earned a B.A. in Business Marketing. She worked at Republic Bank in Dallas where she convinced branch banks to install newly invented ATMs: the Dallas World Trade Center: and Western National Bank in Tulsa. In 1985, she and Lynn married, and in 1990, they welcomed their son Payton. Susan delighted in being a mother and took great joy in Payton's activities and accomplishments. She was a creative organizer of every school function and holiday, and always could be depended at Eisenhower, Monte Cassino, and Bishop Kelley. As PTA president at Monte Casino, she developed the "Saints" name and logo. At Bishop Kelley, she organized Club '09, the freshman parent assimilation program still thriving today.

A born entertainer and hostess, she was also a talented designer who loved bright, vibrant colors that reflected her warmth and creativity. Susan was generous with her talents, and served the Tulsa community by chairing several prominent fundraisers including Summerfaire and Festival of Trees for Philbrook Museum of Art, McDazzle for Ronald McDonald House, Cinderella Ball for Tulsa Philharmonic, Oktoberfest for Monte Cassino, the Henry Bellmon Awards for Sustainability Tulsa, and an event for Hospice of Green Country. While she was ill, she benefitted from the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges. In the past year, she created hundreds of small paintings and collages and sold them to benefit the Center.

Susan is survived by her parents, Betty and Levan Kelly; mother-in-law Trina Lee Fesperman; husband Lynn, son Payton; sister Melinda Kelly Mercer and husband Dr. Mel Mercer; brother Brad Kelly of Dallas; nephews Logan Mercer and Dr. Kelly Mercer and wife Dr. Shelly B. Mercer. In addition, she is survived by her aunt Nancy Dedman of Dallas; aunt Polly Kelly, uncle Royce Kelly and wife Julie, all of Tulsa and uncle Allison Kelly of Okemah. She also leaves behind a number of cousins, along with hundreds of friends whose lives were forever changed by her generosity and love. The family extends special thanks to Megan Wheeler, her longtime caregiver and to Jared Lyon who brought much joy and love in her final months.

In Susan's honor, celebrate the blessings of each day with laughter, love and hospitality. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to The Center or to your favorite charity.

Viewing: noon til 8 pm, Monday, Jan. 19, 2014 at Moore's Rosewood