Susan Andrews

Susan Elizabeth Andrews, of Franklin, Tennessee, departed this life and received a Crown of Glory on April 22, 2016, after a very brief battle with cancer. She was at home, surrounded by her adoring husband and sons.


Susan was born in Lima, Ohio on August 20, 1964 to Diane E. and Walter Burton, the oldest of five siblings. Susan's early childhood was marked by both joy and sorrow. Her maternal grandparents were a steadying force in turbulent times, providing a foundation of faith that Susan would embrace wholeheartedly.


Fresh-faced Susan met Neil Andrews, a musician, just before graduating from Ohio State University in 1986. The two were married in 1987, and young Susan became stepmom to precocious Tyler, age 5. Soon after, the Andrews moved from Columbus, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, where Susan had her first salaried job as a research analyst. The birth of middle son, Nathan, followed in 1990, and the growing family relocated in 1992 to Nashville, Tennessee. Tyler came to live full-time with the family in 1993, and youngest son, Patrick, was born in 1994. Susan became a homeschooling mom, managing the Andrews household with skill and fortitude. This momentous stage of Susan's life was characterized by changes and major life decisions, as the boys continued to grow into maturity. Though her maternal heart was filled with joy at each milestone- baptisms, graduations, college-transitioning to an empty nest was not without obstacles. Yet sassy, spunky Susan readily embraced her new role and was overjoyed at the new additions to her family.


In 2002, oldest son Tyler married Caroline Garrett. They bestowed the new title of Grandma with the birth of their first son, Ewan. Wyatt and Elias completed the trio of grandsons, and granddaughter Vivien made her arrival on Christmas Day, a precious gift indeed. Nathan added to Susan's joy with a second daughter-in-law, Atleigh Whitman, whom he married in 2015.


With her sons moving into adulthood, Susan treasured this new season of focused time with her beloved Neil. They were able to explore their common interests, such as creating gourmet vegan cuisine and traveling abroad. When Neil was diagnosed with cancer, Susan tirelessly advocated on his behalf for the best treatment options. She was a nurturing caregiver-always supporting, never complaining-and his head cheerleader, motivating him back to good health. Even this difficult time together was cherished by both of them as a time of God's grace poured out, strengthening their faithfulness and love for each other.


One might wonder how Susan, the devoted matriarch of her growing family, would have time or energy for other endeavors. Yet just as the woman described in Proverbs 31, Susan was quick to reach out to those in need, pouring her very life into those around her, all the while pointing them to Christ. By nature, Susan was a servant, skillfully communicating the gospel through words and example. She taught Sunday school and ministered in a variety of ways at New Hope Community Church in Brentwood, where her husband Neil is the Pastor of Worship Arts and Media. In addition to her other roles at the church, Susan worked alongside Neil, coordinating the technical arts ministry. She was also a regular volunteer and worshiper at the Nashville Rescue Mission Hope Center for Women & Children, where her humility and authenticity did not go unnoticed by the residents. Offering pre-marital counseling to young couples was another way that Neil and Susan were able to minister together and share their life experiences.


Beyond her acts of service, Susan's overarching ministry was one of friendship and mentoring. Susan seemed to gravitate to those that needed her wisdom or expertise at that moment. Whether one needed a simple yet impressive recipe, curriculum suggestions for homeschooling, or the ideal Scripture passage for a circumstance, Susan was a fount of wisdom and support. She could summon a word of encouragement, a warm hug, and even a gentle admonition when needed. Her focus was on people, not merely plans and programs. Above all, Susan was a woman after God's own heart who desired to lead others to Him.


Susan was most recently employed as Director of Operations and Development at Presbyterian Lay Committee. She was an accomplished home chef and an ardent grammarian who loved Buckeye football. Her keen humor was matched only by her generosity and compassion. Susan maintained a Kingdom perspective, building a lasting legacy through those she loved, encouraged, and discipled. Though her life was too brief for those that loved her, it was a beautiful life. Likewise, her passage on to her eternal home was beautiful, a testament to her intense love for her family and her immeasurable faith in her Savior.


Susan is survived by her husband of 28 years, Neil; children Tyler and wife Caroline of Murfreesboro, Nathan and wife Atleigh of Spring Hill, and Patrick of Franklin; grandchildren Ewan, Wyatt, Elias, and Vivien; mother Diane Clark Burton of Ohio; father Walter Burton of Ohio; siblings Angela Burton Brock, Melissa Miller, Matthew Burton, and Abigail M. Burton of Ohio; and an extended network of family and friends that are too abundant to name here. She is preceded in death by her beloved grandparents Floyd and Dorothy Clark of Ohio.

A celebration of Susan's life will be held Saturday, April 30, at 1:00 p.m. at New Hope Community Church in Brentwood.

Service Information

Saturday, April 30th, 2016 1:00pm, New Hope Community Church