Susan Wilson Danis' Obituary
Susan Wilson Danis, 72, of Dallas, Texas, died February 25, 2016. She was born to Harrell Arthur Wilson and Leta Harris Wilson on August 7, 1943, in Dallas, Texas. Susan grew up in Dallas and attended Woodrow Wilson High School. She spent many summers as a camper and counselor at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. She later earned a B.S. in Education from the University of Texas at Austin in 1965. While at the University of Texas, Susan was a member of Delta Delta Delta and Campus Crusade for Christ. Following graduation, she moved to Houston, Texas, where she taught elementary school. On June 20, 1970, she married Leon (Lee) Joseph Danis. Following the birth of their two daughters, Rebecca and Carolyn, they moved to Nacogdoches, Texas in 1976 to raise their family in a small town. Susan was very active at Grace Bible Church, where they attended for 33 years. She served in many capacities at Grace, including with the children’s Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, the Missions board, Women’s Bible study and the Mercy Team. She also helped launch several new ministries at Grace including a computerized prayer ministry and an empty-nester ministry. She also served in the Nacogdoches community by teaching in an ‘English as a second language’ ministry called HOPE for 12 years and by helping establish a chapter of Bible Study Fellowship in 1988. Susan enjoyed spending time with her friends by playing tennis and golf and was active in several women’s groups, including Junior Forum and Koinonia Study Club. Susan excelled at making her house a home and regularly welcomed family, friends, missionaries and international students over for wonderful, home-cooked meals. In August 2009, Susan was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia. Sadly, the diagnosis forced them to leave Nacogdoches, their home of 33 years, and move to Dallas to be closer to their daughters and the medical care she needed. Susan’s personal relationship with Jesus and her faith in Him was the cornerstone of her life. She loved and served others in His name, often behind the scenes. As she confronted her dementia diagnosis, she turned to her faith and the truth of God’s Word for comfort and peace, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) Susan is survived by Lee, her husband of 45 years, her daughter Rebecca Danis Holmes of Dallas, Texas, and her husband Blake; her daughter Carolyn Danis Chapman of Dallas, Texas, and her husband Michael; grandchildren, Avery, Gage, Ellie and Wesley Holmes; Cooper, Cecily and Andrew Chapman; niece Stacey Wilson Welch and nephew James Harrell Wilson Jr. Susan was preceded in death by her brother, James Harrell Wilson. The family is grateful for the care and kindness given to her by the staff at Caruth Haven Court. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 3, 2016, at 2:00 PM in the chapel at Watermark Community Church in Dallas, Texas, with a reception to follow at the church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Rio Grande Bible Institute at 4300 S US HWY 281, Edinburg, TX 78539 (or http://www.riogrande.edu) or the Association for Frontotemporal Dementias at Radnor Station Building 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087 (or http://www.ftd-picks.org/)
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