Susanne Smith

Susanne Smith passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, with her daughter Carolyn faithfully by her side.

A memorial service will be June 13, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Schooler Funeral Home, Brentwood Chapel, 4100 S. Georgia.

Susanne was born on December 21, 1936, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to her parents, Darrel and Lucille Dunn. She was raised on her family’s farm in Langdon, Kansas, alongside her brother, Jim Dunn. Those early years shaped a lifelong love of animals and the natural world. As a young girl, she raised and showed horses, and throughout her life, animals seemed instinctively drawn to her gentle spirit. She had a special way with them, often opening her home and heart to stray dogs and cats in need of care and kindness.

She attended Colorado Women’s College in Colorado Springs before continuing her education at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. It was there that she met Art Carder, whom she married in 1958. They subsequently welcomed their son, Mark, on April 5, 1959, before moving to Wichita, Kansas and then Great Bend, Kansas, where their daughter, Carolyn, was born on December 16, 1964.

The family moved to Hutchinson, Kansas in late 1967 and then to Amarillo, Texas, in 1968. Just two years later, Susanne faced the profound loss of her husband, Art. In the months that followed, she embarked on a remarkable journey with her children, traveling around the world. Their travels took them to places such as Hawaii, Japan, Thailand, Turkey, Greece, Italy, France, and England, and included meaningful time in India, where her parents resided at the time. It was a season of healing, exploration, and resilience that reflected Susanne’s strength and adventurous spirit.

Susanne possessed a natural creativity and an eye for beauty. Whether through interior design, painting, gardening, or floral arrangements, she had a gift for transforming ordinary spaces into something extraordinary. Her gardens were especially beloved—lush, vibrant, and meticulously cared for, they stood as a living expression of her artistry and attention to detail.

In Amarillo, Susanne later met Earl T. “Sleepy” Smith, and the two were married in 1978. Together, they became deeply involved in the Amarillo community and business landscape. They owned the beloved Maison Blanche a French restaurant and played a role in developing the Sleepy Hollow neighborhood. Susanne also owned and operated “Susanne’s,” the luxury clothing and gift boutique that reflected her impeccable taste and style.

Susanne and Sleepy shared a passion for golf at Amarillo Country Club and traveled extensively to play in tournaments across the country. Their favorite destination was Palm Desert, California, where they were members of The Vintage Club, a place filled with cherished memories and friendships.

Known for her vibrant personality, Susanne was truly the life of the party. She had a generous heart, a playful sense of humor, and a gift for making others feel welcome and at ease. She formed friendships effortlessly and brought joy wherever she went.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, Art Carder; her second husband, Earl T. “Sleepy” Smith; and her brother, Jim Dunn.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Mark Carder of Miami, Florida; her daughter, Carolyn Smith and husband Gerald Smith of Amarillo, Texas; her grandchildren, Lindsay Carder of Phoenix, Arizona, Travis Carder of Overland Park, Kansas, Lexi Smith of Manhattan, Kansas, Mason Smith, Benjamin Smith, and Parker Smith, all of Amarillo, Texas; and her six great-grandchildren.

Susanne’s life was one of beauty, creativity, resilience, and love. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to bloom in the lives of those she touched—just like the gardens she so lovingly tended.