Ms. Linda Sue Cozart Vandaveeer's Obituary
Linda Sue “Susie” Cozart Vandaveer went to her Lord Jesus on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, following a long battle with cancer. She was 72 years old.
Susie was an only child born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Loretta and Bill Cozart on November 17, 1950. At the age of 8, her family moved to Dallas, Texas, where she attended Lake Highlands schools. While in high school, Susie showed great promise as a dancer and drill team member – as evidenced by her serving as Captain of the Highlandettes at Lake Highlands High School.
Following her graduation in 1968, Susie attended Kilgore College and became an officer in Gussie Nell Davis’ internationally renowned Kilgore Rangerettes, the world’s first precision dance drill team. As a member of the Rangerettes, she performed their famous high kick routine at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Susie graduated Kilgore College with an Associate of Arts degree in liberal arts and then enrolled at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. There she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority and was chosen one of SMU’s Most Beautiful Women. She completed her student teaching at Richardson High School and then earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. Following her matriculation, Susie took a position with the Houston Independent School District as a high school drill team director.
Susie continued to take dance classes into her adulthood. On her 40th birthday, she won both the Ohio Star Ball Championship Tap Female Student award and the Top Amateur Couple in Freestyle dance award.
Susie transitioned from education into a position with Merrill Lynch in the Real Estate Investment Banking division. For many years, she worked in the New York City office.
At the age of 48, Susie met and married Lee Vandeveer. After they both retired, they made their home in Lindale and on Lake Hawkins, both in East Texas. Lee was by her side at home when she passed away. They were married over 24 years.
Susie was preceded in death by her mother.
Those who lovingly remember Susie include: her husband, Lee Vandeveer; her father, Bill Cozart; her goddaughter, Wenzin Smith Van Delden; and her longtime friends, MaryBob and Mike Smith.
Throughout Susie’s life, she was a devout Christian and member of the United Methodist Church. She always strived for academic, personal and professional excellence. Susie was loved by all who know her.
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