Suzanna "Suzy" Linda Nicholas

Suzanna Linda Nicholas

August 31, 1950 – August 22, 2025

Suzanna “Suzy” Linda Nicholas, 74, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Suzy was the daughter of the late Richard and Betty Jane Gentry. She was the beloved wife of Jeffrey Nicholas for 55 years; her devoted caregiver and faithful companion throughout the last several years of her life.

Suzy is survived by her daughter, Sara Jane Nicholas Moran, son-in-law Trey Moran, and their children Patrick and Melanie. She is also survived by her siblings Rick (Judi), Doug (Elaine), Bill (Fatima), Peggy (Ed), Barbie (Jeff), and Bruce (Laurie), and was predeceased by her brother Hank and survived by her sister-in-law Sandy.

Suzy graduated from Morgan Park High School and attended Stephens College in Missouri before eloping to Charleston, South Carolina in the spring of 1970 to marry Jeff. Together they embarked on a six-month camping honeymoon road trip across 49 states before settling in Oregon, where they made their home in a repurposed train station. In those early years, Suzy managed a Dairy Queen while also attending classes at Southern Oregon College.

Jeff-n-Suz were lifelong adventurers. Their travels spanned the country via Honda 175 motorcycles, a Ford Bronco, and eventually by a 27' sailboat, where they lived aboard for three years. Their sailing journey took them from New England to the Caribbean with their home port located in Beaufort, North Carolina. 

The couple moved to Spartanburg in 1980.  Jeff was offered a job at the new RR Donnelley & Sons printing company while Suzy was expecting their daughter, Sara Jane.  Soon after moving, Suzy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.  Anyone who knew Suzy could feel her strength and resilience, and that she was determined that the diagnosis would not define her or limit her family’s adventures.

As a mother, Suzy had the heart of a dreamer and the discipline of a teacher, raising her daughter with both freedom and care. She was an advocate for mothers and babies through La Leche League, promoting breastfeeding education.  Suzy homeschooled Sara Jane through the 10th grade.

Throughout her life, Suzy’s family and community were central. She was active at First Baptist Church Spartanburg and later Fernwood Baptist Church, where she served as church librarian.

After Suzy’s Valentine’s Day request in 2003 for more time together, Jeff left work and the two shared what Suzy lovingly called “two years of indulgence”—which turned into full retirement. This encouraged more travels including dream trips to Alaska, journeys out West, and even two trips with children and grandchildren on Lake Powell in a houseboat named "Big Duck."  The picture above is of Suzy aboard “Big Duck” on Lake Powell.

The family will receive friends beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Fernwood Baptist Church in Spartanburg. A memorial service, officiated by Pastor Michael Tutterow, will follow at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society can be made to honor Suzy’s life.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.