Susan Carol Shanks (age 73), passed from this life into the arms of God on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at her home in Kerrville, Texas. Susan was born in Atlanta, Georgia on July 15, 1953, as the oldest child to George and Charline Shanks. Susan was a happy and gentle soul, and she loved and supported her immediate, extended and Church family.
Susan was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Churches in Beaumont, Texas; Gainesville, Georgia; and Kerrville, Texas. At the Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Susan was the Treasurer for the United Methodist Women, and she managed the attendance information for all the Sunday School classes. She needlepointed communion rail kneelers at the Beaumont First United Methodist Church and the bridal kneeler used for her sister's wedding.
Susan was also an active volunteer in her community. She volunteered for 25 years at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center Hospital in Gainesville. Susan, George and Charline were awarded volunteer of the year by the hospital in 2015. Susan assisted her mother, who taught kindergarten for many years. Susan volunteered many hours at nursing homes, and she particularly enjoyed her role as the Bingo Caller.
Susan enjoyed quilting, embroidery and needlepointing and she made many baby quilts for her extended family. Susan loved flowers and she enjoyed music at Church. Susan's favorite song was "Daddy Sang Bass" sung by Johnny Cash. Susan was the family's rememberer. She helped everyone remember tasks and events. Susan loved all animals. She pampered the family dogs and was inseparable from “Whitey” and “Teddy” – her beloved stuffed companions.
Susan was preceded in death by her father, George Shanks and her great nephew Salvador Shanks. Susan is survived by her mother, Charline Shanks, and her siblings Dennis Shanks and his wife Lulu, Janice Kimler and her husband Randy, Cheryl Clark and her husband Dave, and Wayne Shanks and his wife Anne. Susan is also survived by four nephews and one niece, who lovingly called her Aunt Susan, by great nephews and nieces, and by many cousins in the Gainesville and Atlanta, Georgia area.
A memorial service will be held for Susan in the Chapel of the Kerrville First United Methodist Church at 4:00pm on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The service will be broadcast on Zoom for family that are unable to attend. Susan will be buried in the Alta Vista Cemetery in Gainesville, Georgia next to her father at 10:00am on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The family wishes to thank the Peterson Hospice Team and the many caregivers that have helped Susan and her parents over the years in both Gainesville and Kerrville.
Dear God: Thank you for the life of Susan Shanks. Please take Susan into your arms and reunite her with her father. And the family wants you to know that we are sending you the best Bingo Caller and rememberer in Texas and Georgia. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.