Susan Mathias Smith, 74, of New Market, died peacefully at Blue Ridge Hospice in Winchester, Virginia, on Wednesday, April, 17, 2024.

Susan was born January 23, 1950 to the late Charles Edward and Laura Raynes Mathias.  She graduated from Broadway High School in 1968 and in 1972 with a Bachelors in English Education from Madison College. She later received her Master’s degree in School Library Media Services from James Madison University in 1986.

Susan was a published author of three children’s stories: The Night Light, No One Should Have Six Cats and The Booford Summer. Susan held many positions within Shenandoah County Public Schools. She taught English at Stonewall Jackson and Central Highschools and was a librarian at North Fork Middle School. Susan also was the Public Relations Coordinator for the Superintendent’s Annual Report for the Community. The majority of her career she was the Coordinator of Media Services and Public Affairs for Shenandoah County Schools.

Susan’s love for reading and writing was matched by her love for animals and people. She gave all of her free time to helping animals and others in need.   Susan was an active member of Manor Memorial Methodist Church. She was the Superintendent of Sunday school and a Sunday School teacher for many years and frequently gave the children’s sermon. She volunteered for many other activities for the church. Susan also volunteered in the community, performing the role of Jesse Rupert for the New Market Historical Society.

Susan is survived by her sisters Cherie Long of New Market, Barbara Kipps (Dwight) of Timberville and Deborah Kipps (Doug) of Broadway.  She is also survived by five nieces and one nephew and many great-nieces and nephews.

Pastor Stephen Creech will conduct a celebration of life at Manor Memorial United Methodist Church on Saturday, April 27, at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends in Farrow Hall immediately following the service. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Unit 405, Winchester, Virginia, 22601or Furry Friends, 486 North Main Street, Woodstock, 22664.