Susan Jean Jarvais

Susan Jean Jarvais (née Lawliss), 71, passed away on September 21, 2025, at Sentara Leigh Hospital, Virginia Beach, Virginia with her daughter by her side. Born on July 22, 1954, in Presque Isle, Maine, Susan lived a life marked by deep faith, unwavering love for her family, and a generous spirit that touched countless lives. Susan was the daughter of Gordon Lawliss and Joan Stairs. She was one of ten siblings and shared close bonds with her surviving sisters Cathy Kennedy (James Kennedy), Gail McNerney (Kevin McNerney), Jean McCue (Kevin McCue), and Patty Corriveau (Jerry Corriveau), as well as her brother Andrew Kinney (Diana Kinney). She was predeceased by her sisters Alice Lawliss, Starlene Kotsikoros, and Tela Hart, and her brother Paul “Butch” Hart. A lifelong learner with a passion for helping others grow, Susan earned her diploma from Presque Isle Adult Education in 1981. She went on to receive two associate degrees—one in Computer Systems Information Technology and another in Early Childhood Education from Northern Maine Technical College. Her dedication to nurturing young minds led her to a fulfilling career as an Infant & Toddler Lead Teacher at ACAP, where she worked until her retirement in 2006. Susan’s heart belonged first and foremost to her family. She was a devoted wife to the late Ronald Jarvais and a loving mother to Thomas Byrd IV (Jennifer Byrd), Kristopher Byrd (Lola Byrd), Timika Jarvais Jones, and the late Shannon Byrd. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Jeromy Cole; Lisa Haney (Josh Haney); Katelynn Cole; Breanna Byrd; Thomas Byrd V; Casandra Byrd; Taylor Byrd; Bethany Byrd; Briza Byrd; Gwendalynn Jones; and Amelia Jones. She also leaves behind great-grandsons Blayne Cole, Cameron Mills, Cooper Mills, and Emmett Haney; Joey Byrd; and great-granddaughters Aria Haney, Caroline Cole, Ileyanah Mills, and Izzabella Haney. Susan’s extended family included numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special former in-laws Tony Jones (Liberty Jones) and Joy Byrd—all of whom held a cherished place in her heart. Her life was deeply rooted in faith. An active member of her church for many years, Susan participated wholeheartedly in bible study groups, intercessory prayer teams, evangelism efforts, Sunday school teaching, mission work both near and far—including Mary & Martha's Soup Kitchen—and programs such as Mega Sports Camp and Missionettes. Her love for Christian music concerts reflected the joy she found in worship. Susan’s hobbies were as vibrant as she was. She enjoyed bowling league, crafting heartfelt gifts by hand, reading biblical and inspirational books or tracing family heritage through genealogy research. Whether traveling to new places or solving wordfind puzzles at home, she embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. She also gave generously of her time through volunteer work with organizations like the Girl Scouts and the Elks Emblem Club. Her love of watching dance brought joy not only to herself but also to those lucky enough to meet her. Those who knew Susan remember her as bright and strong—a woman who could be brutally honest when needed but always came from a place of care. She fiercely loved God above all else and extended that love freely to everyone around her. A loyal friend who welcomed others without judgment or hesitation, Susan had an extraordinary gift for making people feel like family. She will be remembered as a kind soul whose warmth lit up every room she entered—a guiding light whose absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her. May Susan Jean Jarvais’s memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing while inspiring others to live with the same compassion and grace that defined her life. A Viewing will be held on September 26, 2025, from 05:00 PM to 06:00 PM at Calvary Assembly of God, 4925 Providence Road. A Funeral Service will be held on September 26, 2025, from 06:00 PM to 07:00 PM at Calvary Assembly of God, 4925 Providence Road. Reception to follow in fellowship hall.

Susan Jean Jarvais

July 22, 1954 - September 21, 2025