Suzanne "Susie" M. Harms

SUZANNE “SUSIE” MICHELE HARMS, 57, of Red Bud, Illinois, passed away at 9:15 am, Thursday, November 6, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by those who loved her.

Susie was born to the late Jerry and Norma Jean (nee Perry) Sullivan on December 16, 1967, in Creve Coeur, Missouri. She was raised in Belleville, Illinois.

Susie met Terry at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, and they got married on September 25, 1993, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Bud. They moved to Red Bud in 1993. Soon after, they built their forever family home, where they have lived since. Susie worked at TMW for almost 25 years, where she was beloved among both her customers and her coworkers.

If you knew Susie, she was probably top 3 on your list of the strongest people you've ever met. She was a fighter, and she was firm in her faith through it all. She faithfully served her community in many ways. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Bud, served a term as president of the St. John’s Lutheran School Board, and was a member of the St. Clement Community Foundation Board. With Terry, she was the leader of the St. John's Senior Youth Group for 12 years. In this role, she touched the lives of many.

In the last 8 years, she battled cancer more times than anyone should in a lifetime. Because of her willingness to fight like hell, she was able to see her kids graduate, watch Emily get married, and meet both of her grandkids. For these memories, we are eternally grateful.

Speaking of her grandkids, Susie's grandkids were her entire world. She loved them with all of her heart. She saved every single photo she received of them and showed them off to anyone who would listen. She is the one who made Wyatt laugh for the very first time. Sloan's time with Susie was more limited, but equally special nonetheless. She spent as much time as she could with her, and we will cherish these memories forever.

Susie was the best mom in the entire world. Everyone says this, but we swear it is true. She always showed up for her kids. Somehow, she managed the schedules of three kids flawlessly and never missed an event. Not only did she always show up for her kids, but she also welcomed all of their friends with open arms. She was the best mother to her kids and the best mother figure to countless others. We love her and miss her so much already.

She is survived by Terry, her loving husband of over 32 years; her children Emily (Doug) Brennan, Katie, and Brendan (Kylie Keim Voss); and her grandchildren, Wyatt and Sloan Brennan. Also surviving are her sister, Denise (Eric) Campo; sister-in-law, Cathy (Mark) Thompson; and nephews and nieces, Bryce and Brynn Campo, and Lily Thompson; and her stepmother, Kathy Sullivan.

Susie was preceded in death by her mother, Norma Jean Sullivan (nee Perry), who lovingly referred to her as "her princess"; her father, Jerry Sullivan; her grandparents, Jewell and Frances Sullivan, and Robert and Gwendolyn Perry; and her in-laws, Nancy and Loren Harms.

Memorial Service:

11:00 am, Tuesday, November 11, 2025

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Red Bud, Illinois

Officiating:

Rev. Mark Winkelman

Inurnment:

St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery

Red Bud, Illinois

Visitation:

Monday– 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Tuesday –10:00 am – 11:00 am

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Red Bud, Illinois

Memorials:

St. John’s Senior Youth Group