Susan Alexander Obituary

Susan McGuffin Alexander, 73, of Independence, Virginia, beloved wife, mother, Mimi, and teacher, passed away peacefully early on May 31, 2025.
Susan was a devoted wife and soulmate to John Alexander, with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. She was a loving mother to Aaron Alexander, Micah Alexander, Tate Alexander and wife Selena Alexander, Kyle Alexander and wife Cheryl Alexander, Kara Alexander Ridenhour and husband Jacob Ridenhour, and bonus son Gene Blalock. She was a proud Mimi to Noah and Tate Ridenhour and Mason Roark. She was a loving sister in law to Jim Clements. He and his wife Beverly helped the family throughout the years in so many ways.
In addition to her children, she was a loving influence on the hundreds of Kindergarten and Preschool students who were fortunate enough to be in her classroom in the Galax and then Grayson County Public Schools. She was also a mother figure lovingly called Mrs. A or Momma A to the hundreds of children she met while John worked at the Presbyterian Home (for Children) in Lynchburg for 18 years. The sight of Mrs. A leading her 6 children up to the dining hall is one that many have fond memories of.
Wherever she went her smile and sweet disposition made a difference in others' lives. She had the amazing ability to not just make friends everywhere she lived, but to make lifelong friends. She also remembered everyone in her school buildings from the principal to the bus driver and everyone in between. It wasn't unusual for her to stop and get biscuits on her way to school to give to others to help get their day started. She enjoyed seeing people happy.
She had a degree in Elementary Education from Berea College in 1977 and a Reading Specialist Masters from Emory and Henry University. Her best education was around her mother, Ruth Woods McGuffin, who showed her what love is.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Buddy and Ruth McGuffin; her siblings Mark McGuffin, Janet McGuffin, and Beverly McGuffin Clements; and her eldest son, Chris Alexander.
In lieu of flowers of any kind, Susan requested the following:
1. First, do something fun with your family.
2. Make a donation to the Grayson Highlands Preschool, 6459 Troutdale Hwy, Troutdale, VA 24378, the class she retired from and loved.
3. Berea College, P.O. Box 1855, Berea, KY 40403 this is the school where Susan and John graduated from in 1977 and all students accepted still receive a full tuition scholarship.
4. Or, the charity of your choice.
Services will be held at the following places and dates:
Grayson Highlands School on June 28th at 11:00AM
July 12 at 11:00am the service will be held in the sanctuary of the Timber Ridge Presbyterian Church, 73 Sam Houston Way, Lexington, VA 24450. Following the service light refreshments will be served in the Timber Ridge Community building behind the church. We hope many will stop by and visit with the family.
Both services will be followed by light refreshments and time to visit.
Please note, Susan did not want anyone missing a family outing to come to her service. Please Celebrate where you are. If you do come, wear a smile, think happy thoughts, and be ready to celebrate. Susan would like that.