Suzanne Lee Vandervort

Suzanne (Suzy) Vandervort, 58, left this earth on March 30th in Chicago, Illinois- surrounded by her family, the Holy Spirit, and so much love. She worked at State Farm as a Claims specialist for 40 years. She was known for her kindness and comfort to her clients and coworkers. Suzy was born in Bloomington, Illinois on December 1st, 1964, the daughter of Marilyn and Clay (Charles) Scurlock, who preceded her in death. She leaves behind her husband John, her daughters Jennifer Byrd and Shauna Kuester, her son’s in law, who were her sons in her heart, Tyrone Byrd and Cale Kuester, four grandchildren, Jalen and Briella Byrd and Caydence and Kendalyn Kuester, her siblings Ted (Angie) Scurlock, Diane Matthews, Eric (Song) Scurlock, nieces and nephews and many friends who loved her like family. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister-in-law Georgeanne Scurlock and brother-in-law Alex Matthews, and nephew Kiejoun Watts.

Suzy attended Vale Church in Bloomington, IL. She rarely missed a Sunday the past few years and attended small groups. Even before she started attending Vale Church she was blessed by the Lord with a heart of giving and service for others.

We take comfort in Jesus’ words, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” - John 14:1-3

While her family and friends will forever miss her, she leaves us with love, laughter, and a smile from her soul that we will carry with us forever. Grief is the cost we pay for love. At her request, Suzy wanted to share that she was not the cancer that took her. She was the mom and mother- in-law who went out of her way to be there for her children, she was the grandma who adored and supported her grandbabies in everything they did, she was the sister who provided laughter
and comfort, she was the friend who made us feel loved and like we were her family, and she was an adoring wife. Suzy lived her life fully, taking every precious moment in, and savored it like we all should. She made us all feel special and valued. Suzy had a great affection for animals, especially her dog and granddogs. She loved nature, flowers, and greenery, and would spend the days she felt well outside. Suzy cared about the environment and she felt passionate about recycling and being kind to our earth.

Suzy was silly, funny, and never afraid to try a new exciting adventure. She was also known for accidentally knocking things over in stores, turning to fix it, and then tipping over entire displays with her purse. Her nemesis was the smoke alarm in her daughter's house, setting it off every time she was making amazing meals for everyone- she insisted those be shared as well. She laughed at herself and was always bemused in those moments. Because of the laughter, love, and kindness that she spread far and wide, she was loved deeply and profoundly by her family and friends. We all feel blessed for the time we have had with her, although it will never feel like enough.

You will be forever missed Suzy, but we know you loved us all and we thank you for every single minute you gave us! Hours before Suzy passed, with the little strength she had, she muttered, “I Love You” to her loved ones. Suzy fought hard for her family and friends, until the very end. We are so grateful for her life and her legacy will live on. Suzy is now with our Lord and Savior, pain free, in the eternal peace of heaven. It’s not goodbye, just see you later.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 14, at 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. at 6 Deerefield Ct, Clinton, IL 61727. A brief service will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner. Please bring a homemade dish to share as Suzy loved to celebrate with home cooked meals around her loved ones.  Bring your drink of choice.  Dress is casual.

In lieu of flowers, Suzy's family would prefer potted plants or a donation toward the tree that  will be planted in her front yard in her memory. Donations for the tree will be collected at her Celebration of Life.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois.