Susan Morris Couch

Susan Morris Couch, age 83, passed away on October 29, 2026, in Amarillo, Texas. Susan was born on February 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 benefit 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.