Susan Morris Couch

Susan Morris Couch, age 83, passed away Oct. 29, 2026,
in Amarillo, Texas. Susan was born Feb. 16, 1943, in Vernon,
Texas, where she lived nearly her entire life before moving to
Amarillo in her later years to be closer to her family.
Susan was a longtime member of First Methodist Church of
Vernon and maintained deep ties to the community she called
home throughout her life.
Education was an important part of Susan’s life, both
personally and professionally. She earned her bachelor’s
degree in education from Midwestern State University and, in
1982, earned master’s degrees in education and business from
the same institution. She went on to earn her Ph.D. from Texas
Woman’s University, with a major in vocational technical education and a minor in
gerontology.
Susan enjoyed a distinguished 25-year career at Vernon College, where she served
as Dean of Continuing Education, a position that later evolved into Dean of Workforce
Education and Training for Wilbarger and Wichita counties and the surrounding
area. An accomplished grant writer, Susan was instrumental in securing funding that
expanded educational opportunities and specialized workforce training throughout the
region. She also played an important role in establishing the Skills Training Center in
Wichita Falls, helping create opportunities that would bene¿ t students, businesses, and
the community for years to come.
Susan was a woman of many talents and interests. In addition to her career
in education, she was a farmer, rancher, member of the Herring Bank Board of
Directors, accomplished grant writer, and world-class bridge player. Her intelligence,
determination, and wide range of interests were evident in everything she pursued.
Susan and Kelly shared a wonderful life together and a love of travel. Over the years,
they enjoyed many trips around the world, exploring new places and creating lasting
memories.
Above all, Susan treasured her family. She especially cherished the time she spent
with her three grandsons. Whether traveling together, picking them up from summer
camp, or celebrating holidays, these were some of the happiest and most meaningful
moments of her life. The memories they created together will always hold a special
place in the hearts of her family.
Susan was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She
will be remembered for her elegance, gracious spirit, strength, intelligence, devotion
to family, and the many ways she contributed to her community. Her life was one of
purpose, determination, and love, and her legacy will live on through her family and the
countless lives she touched.
Susan was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Kelly Couch; her
parents, Clois Bascom Morris and Opal Bond Morris; and her sister, Wanda Jane
Morris, who passed away in childhood.
She is survived by her daughter, Valerie Richardson Snead, and her husband, William
Windsor Snead; three grandsons, William Windsor Snead Jr. and his wife, Mary
Kathryn Snead, Benjamin Ray Snead and his wife, Laura Couch Snead, and Lucas
Andrew Snead and his wife, Samantha Olsen Snead; and six great-grandchildren,
William Windsor Snead IlI, Kathryn Emerson Snead, Benjamin Charles Snead,
Leighton James Snead, McGuire Claire Snead, and Graham Windsor Snead.
A celebration of life honoring Susan Morris Couch will be held on Tuesday,
November 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Amarillo, Texas.
Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.
For those wishing to honor Susan’s memory, the family suggests memorial
contributions to the Vernon College Foundation, designated for the Mr. and Mrs. Clois
B. Morris and Mr. and Mrs. G. C. Morris Scholarship. Contributions may be mailed to
Vernon College Foundation, 4400 College Drive, Vernon, TX 76384, or made online at
www.vernoncollege.edu/alumni-and-friends-homepage.