SUZAN LEE TIMMINS: June 25, 1945—July 5, 2025
Suzan Lee Timmins was born in Brownwood TX on June 25, 1945, to Carlton R. and Jane Queen Lee. She passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.
Suzan is preceded in death by her parents, Carlton R. and Jane Queen Lee and her nephew Carlton Lee.
Suzan is survived by her daughters: Molly Lewis and husband Tripp, and Katy Stephens and husband Chanse. Grandchildren: Payton Lewis, Hallie and Sam Smith, Conley Lewis, Anna Kate Stephens, and Austin Stephens. Great-grandchild: Briar Jane Smith. Bonus children: Paul Timmins, Michael Timmins, Stacy Timmins, Kim Surls, Ty Timmins, and their families. Siblings: Alan and Jan Lee, Jeff Lee, Loyd and Kathy Kegans, and Melody and Roland Smith. She is also survived by numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
When Suzan was just two years old, the Lee family moved to Bryan TX, where she spent a joyful and vibrant childhood. With her father’s serving as the town’s local optometrist and her mother’s leading the only and most beloved dance studio in the community, Suzan and her siblings grew up in a home filled with love, creativity, and deep community ties.
Suzan graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1963, remembered fondly by her classmates as “Best Dressed”—a title that perfectly captured her poise, charm, and grace. More importantly, she graduated with cherished friendships that endured for a lifetime and continue now into eternity.
After graduating from high school, Suzan attended Southwestern University in Georgetown TX, where she was a proud member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. There, she formed lifelong friendships and treasured memories that stayed with her always. After college, Suzan moved to Houston to begin her professional career, and it was there that she met Paul Timmins. The two were married in Bryan, where they settled down and began building their family, welcoming daughters Molly and Katy, along with Suzan’s beloved bonus children.
Being a mother was Suzan’s greatest joy. Her love for “her girls” was the center of her life and brought her immense fulfillment. For 25 years, Suzan worked beside her mother at the Jane Lee School of Dance, mentoring and inspiring hundreds of young dancers. Her home was always filled with music, laughter, ballet slippers, and open arms: a haven for her children, their friends, and her many students.
As her family grew, Suzan embraced her role as “SuSu” with boundless love. She adored her sons-in-law, Tripp and Chanse, and delighted in the lives of her grandchildren, Payton, Hallie, Conley, Anna Kate, Austin and great-granddaughter, Briar Jane. Time with her family was her greatest treasure.
We imagine a joyful, heavenly reunion welcoming Suzan home. Though her presence will be deeply missed here on earth, we take comfort in knowing she is at peace and that we will see her again. We thank God for the beautiful life she lived and the light she shared with all who knew her. Her legacy of love, grace, and joy lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to First Methodist Church of Bryan.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Suzan Timmins, please visit our flower store.
Bradley Smith
A sweetheart has slipped the surly bonds of earth...
Charlotte Cole (Wilson)
Gee, I have so many fond memories of Suzan. One of the "funest" things was walking home from Travis along with Diane, Theresa and Laura Jean. I was fascinated to be "in town" with the curb and gutters. And, then it was always nice when Mrs. Lee didn't have a dance class so we could play in her studio. Speaking of the studio, it was the perfect location for dances and slumber parties. And, then when Suzan got the little VW convertible bug, it was more fun to ride out to my house than to walk down East 25th Street.
Mrs. Lee was so creative and always had such fun party ideas. My favorite was the HOBO party when we all had nap sacks on a stick and walked the neighborhood begging for food (that she had already prepared and planted). And, then there was the colorful scraf that was always in her ponytail bun. A different color every day.
I remember when we were very bored, we would go knock on the door of the Carrington home and visit with two of our favorite teachers, Miss Claribel and Miss Sofronia (sp??????)
And, one year, Mrs. Lee invited me to ride with her to pick up Suzan from church camp. It was the first time I ever rode in an air conditioned car with the plastic pipes in the rear widow area. I was fascinated and she let me ride in back instead of the front passenger seat talking to her. (I think the trade off was that Daddy taught Suzan how to drive the truck out in our pasture that summer.)
So, I am in deed grateful for the fun days that Suzan and her family gave to me. They are obviously life long memories. And, Suzan, I loved the fact that your parents spelled your name with a "Z". Most of all, though, thanks for beiing my friend.
Phil Cox
Indeed Suzan was 'best dressed'. I really like the Zeta part having three Zetas in my immediate family. As well as thru Sunday school I saw her often thru her connection to Gene Scherf. Indeed the dance studio was real cool. Charlotte says it all quite well.