Suzann Elayne Headley, 78, of Champaign, IL, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. She was born Susan Elaine Headley on January 26, 1946, in Olney, IL, to Robert Aaron Headley and Mary Josephine (Collins) Headley, who preceded her in death.
Above all else, Suzann cherished her family. She is survived by her daughter Michelle Renee (Spruell) Wellens and son-in-law Michael Allen Wellens of Champaign, IL; two grandsons, Alexander Daniel Wellens and Benjamin Michael Wellens; and her brother John Harold Headley (Susie Headley) of Edwards County, IL. She was predeceased by her brothers Robert Aaron Headley, Jr., and Bruce Earl Headley.
Susan spent her early years in Edwards County, IL, where her faith became the cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of Marion Christian Church and sang with The Marionettes, a local group that brought joy to area congregations. Her dedication to ministry began early, serving as President of the Area Youth Rally. She attended Lincoln Christian College from 1964 to 1965 and later audited courses there from 1969 to 1971.
On June 18, 1967, Susan married Daniel Ray Spruell of Albion, Illinois. Together they devoted over two decades to ministry at San Jose Christian Church (1968-1971), Winthrop Harbor Christian Church (1972-1975), and Edinburg Christian Church (1976-1987). Dan and Susan divorced in 1997 and she later changed her name to Suzann Elayne Headley. In later years, she worshiped at Mound Chapel Church of God and Glad Tidings Church in Decatur, Illinois; Calvary United Methodist Church and Chesapeake Christian Fellowship in Maryland; and Meadowbrook Community Church and Faith United Methodist Church in Champaign, IL. Her church involvement included roles as a worship leader, Sunday school teacher, VBS music minister, youth group leader, co-dean for summer church camp (Lake Springfield Christian Assembly), and divorce care counselor for adults and children.
Suzann’s professional life was marked by compassion and service. She worked as a grocery store clerk, secretary, school bus driver, home healthcare and childcare provider, food demonstrator and sales representative, nanny and doting “Nana” to her grandsons, and an arthritis aquatics instructor.
Suzann is remembered for her unwavering Christian faith, love of music and dancing, down-home cooking, shopping and eating out, devotion to family and friends, and strength as a prayer warrior. May her memory bring comfort, love, and laughter to all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life service was held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Faith United Methodist Church in Champaign, IL. Visitation began at 3 p.m., and a service followed at 4 p.m. For family and friends unable to attend the January 11th Celebration of Life service you can watch the recording to honor her beautiful life here: https://vimeo.com/event/4837100. Mike, Alex, Ben, and Michelle provided eulogies.
A committal service and heavenly birthday reception will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Marion Christian Church and Cemetery in West Salem, IL, where her ashes will be interred in the Headley Family plot.
To honor Suzann’s legacy in perpetuity, the family is asking for memorial donations to be directed to the Stephens Family YMCA Scholarship Fund in tribute to her service as an arthritis aquatics instructor from 2013-2022. It was one of the most rewarding and fulfilling jobs she held. She loved meeting people in the community and helping those who attended her class to increase their mobility and decrease the pain associated with their arthritis. Donations can be mailed to: 2501 Fields S Dr, Champaign, IL 61822. You can also make a secure donation online at: https://www.sf-ymca.net/. After clicking the donate button, check the “dedicate this donation” box. Thank you for your consideration.
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