Suzanne Ely

Suzanne “Suzie” Wilson Ely, 83, passed away April 18, 2024 in Gainesville, GA after waging a valiant effort in her four-year battle against Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Suzie was born in Athens, TN to Clifford E. and Mariotis K. Wilson on October 16, 1940. She attended Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens where she met and married Carl Ronald “Ron” Ely. Ron’s basketball coaching career took them to Chattanooga, TN; Blue Ridge, GA; Sylva, NC; Canton, GA and Gainesville (East Hall HS, Lakeview Academy). Suzie, well-known for her competitiveness, was the ultimate coach’s wife and supporter throughout. Her first love though was tennis and she was on the court whenever possible participating in ALTA and USTA leagues until age 80.

Suzie was pre-deceased by her parents and was still mourning the recent losses of both her eldest brother, C.E. “Pete” Wilson of Dalton, GA and her husband Ron in late 2023.

She is survived by daughters Cynthia “Cindy” Ely Angelich (Paul) of St. Simons Island, GA; Jennifer “Lyn” Ely Swackhamer (Bill) of Littleton, CO; and Deborah “Debbie” Kay Wilson (Johnny) of Dahlonega, GA. Suzie is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Alaynna Swackhamer Green (Mark); Eddie Baker (Dia); Michael Baker; Emily Swackhamer; Laura Angelich (Pavan Rajgopal); Katarina Swackhamer Perkins (Ben); Kristen Baker; Claire Angelich; Josh Baker (Emilee); Jason Angelich; Keely Baker; Johnathan Baker and nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Suzie’s sister, Marilyn Wilson, and her brother/sister-in-law, Ben and Cynthia Wilson, all of Athens, TN ; her brother-in-law Larry Ely of Ft. Worth, TX and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends their utmost gratitude to the staff and management of Manor Lake Assisted Living in Gainesville for the loving care and attention received by Suzie and Ron.

Visitation will be held at Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Hwy SE, Gainesville from 2:00-3:00 pm on Sunday, April 21st with a brief celebration of memories from 3:00-3:30 pm.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.

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