“Sue” passed peacefully at home in Stephenson, VA after a courageous struggle with metastatic cancer. She was 73. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of the late Evan and Joetta Hicks and survived by her husband, Elmer Symsack, and children Steven (Lisa) Symsack of Jenks, OK, Jennifer (Dean) Pohlkotte of Dayton, OH, and Scott (Allison) Symsack of Ashburn, VA. Beloved sister of Jo Jean (Dale) Farquharson of Dallas, TX, the late Jerry (Robert) Cunningham, and Judy Hughes of Grove, OK. Loving aunt and grandmother to Alysa, Ryan, Evan, Bryson, and Tyler.

Sue and Elmer fell in love as students at the University of Tulsa and eloped in their junior year. Together, they began a journey as an Air Force family serving around the world. Sue raised three wonderful kids and held the family together despite 15 moves and being separated far too many days by his duties. They were happily married for over 53 years.

Sue frequently worked as medical administrator and assistant. A caring and active volunteer, she became a mentor to many young airmen and their families. She was the go-to mom for her children and their friends, a talented artist with a keen eye for nature’s beauty and an avid OKC Thunder and Washington Wizards basketball fan.

A celebration of her life will be held later in the year. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 124 Park Street SE, Vienna, Virginia 22180.