Susan Marie Fulford

Susan Marie Beard Fulford, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, nurse, baker, and devoted follower of Jesus, passed away on September 19, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, memories, recipes, and countless people whose lives she touched.

Born on July 12, 1946, Susan was the daughter of Merle and Josephine Lee Beard and grew up in Indianatlantic, Florida. From an early age, family was at the center of her world, and that love only grew throughout her life.

 Susan spent many years as a nurse, caring deeply for her patients and treating them with the same compassion and kindness she showed her own family. She was also a talented baker and cake decorator who loved the creativity and challenge of her craft, including competing in cake decorating competitions.

But Susan's greatest joy was her family. She had a heart that seemed to have room for everyone. She was generous to a fault and would give you anything she had if she thought you needed it. She loved fiercely, laughed often, and yes, she could be wonderfully stubborn when she had her mind made up. Those who knew her best will probably smile at that part.

Susan was happiest in the kitchen. She collected and created countless recipes, and cooking was one of the ways she expressed her love. Holidays were especially important to her—bringing everyone together around a table filled with food, laughter, music, and the special dishes and desserts she made for the people she loved.

She also had a love for flowers and gardening, bird watching, and there was almost always music playing wherever she was. Bird watching was something Susan naturally integrated into her daily life. She loved watching and listening to the birds, finding joy in their presence as part of the everyday moments she cherished. She found joy in the simple things: tending to her flowers, watching and listening to birds, cooking something special, listening to music, celebrating holidays, and most of all, having her family together.

Susan was a woman of faith and a follower of Jesus. Her love for others, her generosity, and the way she cared for people were a reflection of the love she carried in her heart. She was incredibly proud of her family and leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Susan is survived by her husband, Michael Fulford; her children, Sonya Jo Sams and her husband, Kevin Sams; Jonathan Philip Williams and his wife, Melissa Williams; Richard Philip Williams; and Stacy Jo Yokley and her husband, David Yokley; her sibling, Rebecca Lee Beard-McLaughlin; 18 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren, along with numerous extended family members and friends who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Josephine Lee Beard; her children, Rebecca Jo Williams Sandillo and Michelle Lee Williams; and her brothers, Daniel Merle Beard and Joseph Scott Beard. 

Susan leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves behind recipes written in her own hand, traditions carried on by her family, flowers planted and tended, songs that will bring her to mind, and a lifetime of love that will continue through every generation that follows.

Her greatest recipe was never written down: love your family, feed the people you love, give what you can, and never stop making room at the table. Though she will be deeply missed, her love will continue to live on—in her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and in every kitchen where one of her recipes is made and every family gathering where someone says, “Mama used to make this.”

Until we meet again, Mama. We love you.