Susan Catherine Hawkins was born to James and Catherine Hawkins on December 8, 1951, at Madigan Army Hospital on the Ft. Lewis Army Post in Washington.  She died November 21, 2025, at the age of 73 in Springfield, MO.  Susan grew up in Staunton, IL and graduated high school in 1970. She was a member of the highly regarded marching band at Staunton High School. She attended William Woods College and the University of Missouri, Columbia where she received a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Speech Therapy.

Susan initially worked in Hermann, MO as a Speech Therapist.  She later became a consultant on autism for Project Access at Missouri State University, staying in the field of autism education for many years.  Susan was known for her very informative workshops that she led in various states and the Virgin Islands.  She was widely regarded as a charismatic speaker with an exceptional ability to recall information related to autism, often lightheartedly referred to as "the dictionary" by her colleagues in the field.

Susan was passionate about working with children with autism and children in general. She believed strongly that all children need to be vaccinated.  Professionally she belonged to the Autism Society of America and the Council for Exceptional Children.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents.  Surviving is her husband Gale Clithero, her three siblings: Sally Kalaris (George), Jim Hawkins (Mary), Terry Hawkins (Bernard). Her daughters Liz Rhodus (Matt) and Cindy Cooper (Aaron), grandsons Everett Rhodus and Max Cooper.  Her Brother-in-law Dale Clithero (Debbie), nieces Sarah Kalaris and Lauren Hedgecoke (Martin), nephews Scott Valley (Becca) and Scott Clithero (Lindsey).

Her kind heart deeply loved many four-legged friends; Tammy, Tommy, Fluffy, Sammy, Jamie, Lucy, Tommy II, Paddy, Molly, Sadie, and Buddy.  Susan appreciated many things in life, including a well-produced KSMU story, a cold Coca Cola Classic, a delicious Andy's chocolate chip concrete, a good bumper sticker, the sweet sound of children playing, twilight in summer, lightning bugs, butterflies and birds, dangly and jingly jewelry, and colorful Mexican tile.  She was also known to enjoy long hot baths, the Moody Blues and crossing Pearson Creek.

Unlike the many things she enjoyed in life, Susan was never afraid to voice her dislike of cloudy winter days, food bars, hilly windy roads and roller coasters, early mornings and alarm clocks.

Susan was an eye tissue donor to Saving Sight.

A memorial celebration will be held at a later date for family and friends in 2026. Memorial contributions can be made to William Woods University, KSMU, or Care to Learn. Susan would have also appreciated loved ones planting a tree in her memory.