Suzanne retired from teaching at the end of last school year. She flew to Albuquerque, NM on September 30th to attend a hot air balloon festival. While there she became ill and went to a local hospital. Tests were run resulting in the diagnosis of a GIST tumor in her stomach. Consequently she had surgery and died on the afternoon of October 14th due to complications in recovery.

She was living in Bedford, Virginia.

From online obituary:

Suzanne Thompson Burger Crawford, 66, of Bedford, Virginia died Wednesday, October 14, 2015 while visiting her best friend in New Mexico and attending the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. She was the loving wife of Tommy L. Crawford.

Born April 28, 1949 (on her father’s birthday) in Humboldt, TN, she was the daughter of Neal Thompson and Naomi Allen Thompson.

One of Suzanne’s greatest passions in life was teaching and inspiring students. During her time at Bedford Middle School she taught over 2,500 students. She had a special gift as a teacher. She always went above and beyond to engage her students, encourage them, challenge them and inspire them. She cared deeply about each of her students, and the influence and impact she had runs deeper than anyone will ever realize. Whether teaching her students at school, mentoring kids in her church’s youth groups or doing children’s sermon at her church, Suzanne loved to inspire kids of all ages.

Faith and family were pillars in Suzanne’s life. One of her many contributions to her church was singing in the choir. Family was one of her top values. Her parents, husband, children and grandchildren were always priority for Suzanne.

Having attended the University of Alabama, another deep passion was Alabama Crimson Tide Football. Roll Tide Roll!

Her smile and zest for life are what most remember her by. She lived life to its fullest and filled it with adventures from her bucket list. Suzanne was the most positive, energetic, loving and courageous woman and had a big heart for all those around her.

She was a member of the Roanoke Ski Club, the YMCA and Bedford Christian Church.

In addition to her husband and parents, Suzanne is survived by her two daughters: Melinda Cohan and husband, Dave, and Stephanie Burger; step-children: Andy Crawford and wife, Andrea, Jamey Crawford and wife, Pam; grandchildren: Zack Crawford, Ginny Beth Crawford, Danielle Cohan, Dylan Cohan, Charlie Parker, Trey Parker, Camp Parker; brother-in-law’s and sister-in-law’s: Doris Croft, Bill and Helen Cottrell and Larry and Cindy Burger.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 20, 2015 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. and from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home in Bedford. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Bedford Christian Church with Rev. William H. Moore officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery with Dr. David Henderson officiating. Friends and family are invited to a reception immediately following at Bedford Christian Church.

The family requests those wishing to make memorial contributions to consider Bedford Christian Church and the Bedford Christian Church Scholarship Fund. Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford, is assisting the family.

Condolences can be left here.