Suzanne Selman

Suzanne Selman, 91, passed from this life January 21, 2021. Born January 3, 1930 to Sidney and Caroline Selman in Rochester, NY, she was raised in Geneva, NY. Sue was a beloved big sister to her brothers Robert and Richard. After graduating from Geneva High School in 1947, she went on to attend Potsdam State Teachers College where she met William White. After graduation in June of 1951, they married in August of the same year. They raised a family together in and around Rochester, N.Y. for the next fourteen years.

Sue moved to Phoenix, Arizona with her children, where she met her second husband, Jack Stanley. Together they had adventures in many places but finally settled in Lynn Haven, Florida where Jack had family. In 1972, they purchased the home on Deer Point Lake in Youngstown, Florida where Sue would spend the rest of her life. After raising her daughter and her second marriage ended, she would go on to generously share this home with other family members. In 1995, her final roommates moved in- daughter Debbie and husband Jim. Thereafter, Sue was happily front and center in the lives of their children, her grands, Chris, Sammi, and Ben.

Though she taught a year right out of college, and did a little substitute teaching in Phoenix and Youngstown, Sue primarily spent her career in retail. In Panama City, she found her niche working in the bridal department at Cogburn’s Jewelry. After her retirement, Sue volunteered where her heart was: with animals at the Humane Society, and books at the Lynn Haven Library. At home she enjoyed gardening, needlework, crossword puzzles, activities with the family, and, of course, her books and pets.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Robert. She is survived by her dear brother Richard, daughter Debbie Tatum (Jim), sons David White (Maureen), Donald White (Mary), Dennis White (Debbie), and Douglas White (Betsy). She is survived by 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren through her sons. Her grandchildren through Debbie, Chris Tatum (Shannon), Sammi Tatum, and Ben Tatum will especially miss their “Mimi”. Chris and Shannon also recently added another great granddaughter, Sophie, with whom Sue was grateful to share a final FaceTime before her eternal rest. Sue also leaves behind nieces, other extended family, and many close friends to mourn her loss.

Sue’s memorial service will be held at her church, Bayou George Christian Church, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, she requested donations be made in her name to the Humane Society of Bay County or any local library.

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