Obituary of Susie A. Cavanaugh

<b>Obituary</b> Susie Atlene Cavanaugh was born the fourth child of the late Nancy Martin Cavanaugh and Plomer Cavanaugh on September 27, 1949. She grew up in the small rural town of Cadiz in far Western Kentucky. She attended public schools in Trigg County after which she matriculated to Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with a minor in Social Welfare. In 1973, she earned a Master of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Kentucky. Ms. Cavanaugh received Rank I, Certification in Secondary Administration and Supervision in1985 and returned to University of Kentucky in 1989 to complete a minor and certification in History. In Cadiz, her Christian journey began when she was nine years of age at Mayes Chapel CME Church where she sang in the children's choir and duets with her sister, Shirlene. After moving to Lexington, she joined Wesley United Methodist Church where she served in numerous capacities as usher, youth and adult Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible school teacher/worker, choir member, Pastor/Parish Relations Committee and President of United Methodist Women. While at Wesley UMC, she held positions in the Kentucky Conference as various officers in the Kentucky Conference United Methodist Women and she served as the first African American woman to become Dean of the Kentucky Conference United Methodist School of Christian Missions. As a member of Bethel Harvest Church she served in the Information Center, Altar Ministry and as a Life group leader. Currently, she is an active member of Word of Life Christian Center. She has been a volunteer at many organizations as God's Pantry, Hope center, OLLI of University of Kentucky and the Federal Medical Center (Atwood Camp) Prison Ministry. Her pedagogical career began in 1971 at Tates Creek High School where she taught a variety of social studies disciplines. When the new Paul Laurence Dunbar High School was completed in 1990, she transferred there teaching U.S. History and later serving as Social Studies Department Co-Chairperson. Ms. Cavanaugh was selected as a Highly Skilled Educator with the Department of Education in 2000. She was assigned to schools in Mercer County, Covington Independent Schools, Floyd County and Jefferson County. In July of 2002, Ms. Cavanaugh retired from Fayette County Public Schools with 30.6 years of service. She was employed with the Bethune Institute (Lexington) as an Academic Coordinator Consultant. She retired in March 2009 from United Way of the Bluegrass after serving five years as the Founder and Coordinator of their Get On Board Program. The Get On Board Program was designed to recruit, train, place and retain underrepresented people on nonprofit boards throughout Lexington and Central Kentucky to increase board effectiveness. Under her leadership, 200+ graduates were placed on several boards, councils, committees and commissions throughout the Central Kentucky region. Many are still serving their communities as a result of this program. Ms. Cavanaugh was a member of several service organizations including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, National Council of Negro Women, Lexington-Central Kentucky Section. Some of her professional activities have included Kentucky Leadership Academy, Central Faculty Forum Chairperson, Fayette County Public Schools Equity Council, Paul Laurence Dunbar SBDM Council, and Kentucky Retired Teacher Association. Including her "Moma and Daddy", God wondrously placed in her life - one adored daughter, Dr. Melanie, her husband Dr. Leke and grandchildren; a loving sister and brother, Shirlene Wharton of Cadiz and Plomer Cavanaugh, Jr. of Bellwood Illinois and a deceased brother, Daniel Cavanaugh. Her nieces, Danielle Wharton of Woodstock, GA and Roylin Cavanaugh of Bellwood IL; Nephews, Todd Wharton of Cadiz, Thad Wharton of Louisville, Ezra and Justin Cavanaugh, Bellwood IL ; Several beloved great nieces and nephews; a plethora of cherished and devoted friends, relatives and acquaintances. In 2005 , Ms. Cavanaugh was featured in a Christian Science Monitor article (www.csmonitor.com/2005/0622) and asked to participate in a Civic Ventures Project (www.civicventures.org/stillworking/stories) on people making a difference and working for the greater good in the second half of life. She is quoted as saying "There's so much work that needs to be done and I get such satisfaction out of it." Of her pedagogical career, she says "One of the greatest joys in my life is to have had the opportunity to touch so very many young lives. What an awesome blessing!" She lived her life in the light of her personal mission which she has striven to fulfill and as she described, her purpose on earth--- "I will work to make a positive difference in the lives of others and utilize my knowledge and skill for the good of all people. I will "speak up for those who have no voice, for the rights of all who are destitute, judge fairly and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy. I will serve God's purpose by bringing Him glory in all I do and say". My highest aim is to hear Him say "Well done thy good and faithful servant, enter in..." <b>Funeral Information</b> A Memorial Service to remember and honor Susie A. Cavanaugh will be 12:00 pm, Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Wesley United Methodist Church 1825 Russell Cave Road Lexington, Kentucky 40505 859-293-5873