Suzanne Sault Hinson Brooks, 82, of Newport News, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at her home in Denbigh. She lived an active, vibrant life filled with friendships, gardening, art and caring for others. Many people described her as their best friend; they never knew anyone else who was so kind, patient, giving and loving. Suzanne had a unique zest for life, a youthful energy, a radiant smile and an unparalleled tenderness. Her life will continue to inspire generations to come and she will be dearly missed.
Suzanne Mary Sault was born on April 4, 1939, to Elton and Marian Sault, and lived in Hilton Village her entire childhood. A 1957 graduate of Warwick High School, she attended Meredith College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She married NC State student Edwin Hinson in 1961 and had three children, Eric, David and Karen. The family shared an enthusiasm for flight and owned a Cessna 175 airplane. In order to become Ed's copilot, Suzanne earned her private pilot's license. Later the couple took their grandchildren with them on outings to fly model airplanes.
Suzanne worked in advertising design, kindergarten education and floral design. Her artistic flair was evident in every job she did and she nurtured this talent throughout her life. Her home was filled with framed watercolors she created and her artwork has been displayed many times at the Charles H. Taylor Art Center in Hampton. She enjoyed attending Tuesday Morning Painters, a group of artists who became her dear friends. She inspired her children and grandchildren to embrace their artistic talents from the visual arts to music.
Suzanne was a long-time member of Warwick River Mennonite Church, where she organized and showcased the library collection and frequently designed floral arrangements for the altar. Her faith was the foundation of her life and she served others selflessly. She visited friends at Mennowood Retirement Community to help them wash their hair, attend medical appointments or read with them. She gave of her time, treasures and talent to many charities and in every action, she showed a servant's heart and the compassion of God.
In 2009, Suzanne married George W. Brooks, and he quickly became a beloved part of her family. The pair traveled to places such as Ireland and the Outer Banks. They hosted many family gatherings filled with love, laughter, delicious "Grammy bread," garden vegetable soup and ginger spice cookies. In the garden Suzanne felt closest to God. She and George tended flowers, fruits and vegetables together, blessing others with their harvest and preserving food for the winter. They worked many hours side by side with the energy of teenagers. Even on the day she passed away, Suzanne was doing yard work and enjoying the rebirth of spring.
Of all the joys in her life, Suzanne cherished her children and grandchildren the most. In letters she left behind, she described how much her life was enriched by her family. "Being the mother of three fantastic children and 12 grandchildren was the most meaningful thing I have done in my life, and over it all was the faithfulness of God."
Suzanne was preceded in death by her parents, Elton and Marian Sault; her husband, Edwin Hinson; her second husband, George Brooks; her sister, Nancy Smith; her brother-in-law, Wade Smith; her stepdaughter, Sandra Brooks; and her beloved friend, Dora Brunk.
She is survived by her children, Eric Hinson (Kim), David Hinson (Patience), and Karen Hinson Mumaw (Robert); grandchildren, Steven Hinson, Jonathan Johnson, Mathew Hinson, Scott Mumaw, Amber Crumly, Nicholas Mumaw, Brent Hinson, Joshua Hinson, Alexander Crumly, Sadie Hinson, Melissa Mumaw and Rebecca Mumaw; stepchildren, Janis Smith (Ronny), Karen Williams and Jack Brooks; many extended family members; countless friends; and her devoted cat Tigger.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2022 at Christopher Newport University's Pope Chapel, followed by a reception at Alumni Hall. To celebrate the beauty of Suzanne's life and art, an endowment has been created in her name to provide opportunities for community members to participate in art programs. Donations may be made to the Suzanne Sault Hinson Brooks Community Arts Endowment at CNU's Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center. The family thanks everyone for their generous outpouring of love, prayers, meals, and sharing of memories.