Susan Grace Molesworth

Susan Grace Molesworth, age 65, of Long Beach, passed away on March 23, 2024 after a lengthy battle with cancer.  

 She was born to Charles and Grace Boykin on August 8th, 1958 in Jackson, Mississippi. Susan grew up in Louisiana and Texas before moving to Long Beach in the 9th grade.  She graduated from Long Beach High School in 1976 and from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1980 with a degree in special education.  In college, she enjoyed volunteering with the Special Olympics and was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.

 After graduation, Susan began her lifelong career teaching students with disabilities.  She taught all grade levels while living in Texas, Alabama, and Michigan.  In 1996, her family moved to Long Beach where she began teaching homebound students in the Long Beach School District.  Susan earned a master's degree in school guidance and counseling from USM in 2000 and became the trained behavior specialist for the district. Susan later earned a school administrator's license and was promoted to special education director, the position she held until her retirement.  In 2017, she was named the Fred Walker Educator of the Year by The Long Beach Chamber of Commerce. Since her retirement in 2020, Susan enjoyed tutoring reading and math part time.

 Susan was a member of First Baptist Church of Long Beach, the Long Beach Republican executive committee where she served as vice president, and the Philanthropic Educational Organization, Chapter B. She loved volunteering at the hospital and served as vice president of the Auxiliary Board for Memorial Health System of Gulfport.  Susan enjoyed working in her yard, exercising, and playing bunco with her long time Long Beach group.  She was also an avid tennis lover.  Cherishing time with her children, grandchildren, and friends was most important to Susan.  She was so grateful to those who sent cards, texts, calls, and food during cancer treatments and especially for the many prayer warriors.

 She will be remembered for her friendliness, generosity, and compassion.  Even while battling cancer, Susan lived her life to the fullest, serving others with a smile on her face.

 Susan was preceded in death by her parents and former husband, Ted Molesworth. 

 Survivors include her daughter, Juliane Cole (James) of Tucson, AZ, son Charles (Taylor) Molesworth of Long Beach, grandchildren Clara Cole, Anna Paige Cole, Wesley Cole, and Griffin Molesworth, sister Lee Anne (Richard) Ryan, and her son, Blake Ryan and family. Susan is also survived by numerous cousins.
 
 The funeral service will be held at Riemann Family Funeral Home in Long Beach on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at 11 am.  Visitation will be two hours prior. Burial will follow at Long Beach City Cemetery.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Memorial Hospital of Gulfport Auxiliary.