Susan Coleman Small

Susan Coleman Small was born April 22, 1954 to Harry Samuel, Jr. and Irene (Matkowska) Coleman in Okarche, OK.  She passed away early Monday April 25, 2022 at Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City at the age of 68.  Susan graduated from Calumet High School and received her associate’s degree from Redlands Community College in El Reno.  She married Terry Small in 1974 and had two children, Chris and Dorian.  Susan later earned a bachelor’s degree from USAO in Chickasha.   

Susan had a truly adventurous spirit.  After residing in El Reno, she moved east to eventually graduate from Connecticut School of Broadcasting in 2002.  On day one, she introduced herself by singing the national anthem, which she loved to sing often at various public events with great patriotism.  

She eventually returned to Oklahoma and proudly purchased a home in the historic Paseo Arts District where she lived for the last 22 years of her life, affectionately calling it a ‘secret cat sanctuary’ for any stray that would visit her porch. After many career adventures including medical transcription, broadcasting, and even a stint as a cruise ship singer, she retired as an elementary school teacher from Oklahoma City Public Schools. 

Susan was a talented pianist, accordionist and singer and loved to perform. Many a friend and stranger were treated to an operatic rendition of Happy Birthday, or a line from her favorite band Queen. With her charismatic personality, she was always quick to make friends and spoke often about the goodness of God and his plans.  Susan was an avid ‘meals on wheels’ volunteer for many years, delivering food to ill, elderly and handicapped residents of El Reno and surrounding areas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Irene Coleman, and her brother Bill Coleman.  

Susan is survived by her two sons: Chris Small of El Reno, Dorian Small and son Desmond of Norman; her sister, Patricia Butts and her husband Jim of Oklahoma City; Nephew Ryan Butts and wife Casey and their sons Ford and Luke of Oklahoma City, as well as several beloved cousins and their children.  

Services will take place at Coleman Chapel in Calumet, Monday May 2nd, 2022 at 1:00 PM, followed by a ceremony at Geary Cemetery.

services entrusted to Turner Funeral Home, Geary, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at turnerfuneralhomes@gmail.com, turnerfh.net, or you can find us on facebook.com (Turner Funeral Homes).

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