R. Suzanne Van Pelt

Roswell, GA - R. Suzanne Van Pelt, 77 passed peacefully October 22, 2023. She will be fondly remembered for her loyal, jovial nature and genuinely gracious spirit. Roberta Suzanne Lucas was born September 4, 1946 at St. Vincent Infirmary, Little Rock, AR to Joe William "Doc" Lucas (1921-74) and Margaret Frances (Ketcher) Lucas (1923-06). She attended Woodruff Elementary, Pulaski Heights Jr. High, and Little Rock Central High (1964) before heading to LSU where she joined Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Very shortly after meeting the love of her life, Richard Alvin Van Pelt (1945-16), Suzanne accepted his resoundingly romantic proposal. They wed May 1, 1970. Three days after their 1st anniversary the happy couple eagerly welcomed their daughter, Allison Paige, in the same maternity ward in which Suzanne was born. RSVP's "Allie" is eternally grateful to have been raised by such devoted parents and is especially honored to have had her mom initiate her into their Kappa sisterhood in 1990. Suzanne and Richard shared a love of history, houses, and antiques, having proudly rehabbed a 1920 Craftsman bungalow in the Newton Addition of Little Rock's historic Pulaski Heights in the mid-70s. Her greatest passion was in their shared interest in genealogy, which began long before the web made it easier. She reveled in life stories and in sharing her own with others! Her quick wit and compassionate interest in people endeared her to many. Suzanne's biggest joy was in the many dogs who graced her life, most recently cherished Scottish Terriers: Fitzhenry, Duncan, MacDougal "Doogie", and Newton - all bearing names derived from her family history. Her dear Richard passed in April 2016 after 46 wonderful years of marriage, during which they enjoyed living in various Arkansas towns, as well as in Kansas City, Albuquerque, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Atlanta. Many treasured friends and relations across the miles appreciated Suzanne for her administrative work in IT and genealogy, and more recently for her volunteer service in retirement to the Sardis Preservation Society in NW Georgia. She is predeceased by her brother, Steven Brice Lucas (1952-16) of Metro Atlanta and more recently by two influential aunts, Betty Jean (Conn) Ketcher (1929-22) and Betty Jane (Cameron) Ketcher (1922-22), both of NLR. She is survived by her daughter, Allie and son-in-law, Alan Holmes, with whom she shared a happy home since 2016, alongside her beloved Scotties and grand dogs! She is also survived by her sister-in-law Gail Van Pelt, niece Nickie (Maltezo) Morris (Jeff) and grand-nephew Clay Morris, all of SE Alabama and her NLR nephews Van Maltezo (Tiffany) and Zach Lucas (Ashley) who she was thrilled to learn are expecting a baby in the new year. Friends & Family of R. Suzanne Lucas Van Pelt (9/4/46-10/22/23) are cordially invited to a Christmastime Celebration of Life Reception 1-3pm, Sun, Dec 17, 2023 at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W 12th St, Little Rock, AR 72204. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in Suzanne's memory! Sentiments and inquiries are welcomed at RSVPmemorial2023@gmail.com. Donations in Suzanne's honor may be made to stjude.org or to your local PBS station.

R. Suzanne Van Pelt

September 4, 1946 - October 22, 2023