Mary “Suzanne” Bedwell, 77, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away on March 23, 2025, at Baptist Health Paducah.
Suzanne was born on July 9, 1947, in Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, to the late James and Bernice Atchison. Suzanne led a very faith-filled life and always loved caring for others. After graduating from Paducah Tilghman High School, she attended the Paducah Beauty School, where she focused her attention on becoming a hairdresser. Suzanne’s talents extended beyond her work as a hairdresser. As a skilled seamstress, she worked for Wall and Window in Benton and was always willing to help others with seamstress work or even reupholster furniture on the side.
On July 30, 1966, she married the love of her life, Jerry Bedwell and their journey through life creating a family began. Suzanne’s caring nature extended far beyond her own family as she was a mother figure to many children throughout her life, often opening her home to care for and look after other children. Her door was always open, and everyone was always welcome. At times, her house would be filled with the laughter and play of up to 25 kids, a testament to her boundless love and patience.
Suzanne never met a stranger and her smile could light up a room. Known for always being friendly and outgoing, her loving personality was just as vibrant as her faith, which was the cornerstone of her life. She loved the Lord with all her heart and shared the message of Jesus with everyone she met. As a long-time member of West Broadway Baptist Church, her commitment to her faith was evident in the years she spent teaching Sunday School and sharing her wisdom and love with each child, nurturing their growth in faith and in life. Suzanne was a woman who not only preached love but lived it every day through her actions.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Lee Bedwell; three daughters, Deana Mitchuson (David) of Benton, Amy Lund (Jeremiah) of Martin, Tennessee, and Tiffany James (Lance) of Benton; one son, Bradley Bedwell (Regina) of Aurora; two sisters, Glenda Cox and Sue Coursey (Buford) both of Paducah; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two sons, Michael Todd Bedwell and Chris Bedwell; two brothers, Dean Atchison and Danny Ramage; and her parents.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to West Broadway Baptist Church, 1518 W. Broadway, Mayfield, KY 42066.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann, 1003 Poplar Street, Benton, KY 42025.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Life Celebration Center of Filbeck-Cann. Bro. Jared Baker will officiate, and burial will follow at Marshall County Memory Gardens.