Susan Christianson Wynne

Susan Jane Christianson Wynne

May 22, 1943 – October 3, 2026

Susan Jane Christianson Wynne, 83, of Fairhope, Alabama, passed peacefully into eternal light in the early morning hours of October 3, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved and served so beautifully throughout her life.

Born on May 22, 1943, and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Susan was a woman of extraordinary grace, generosity, and faith. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1965. As a social worker in California, Susan met the love of her life, Marion "Tut" Wynne, Jr., a public defender, in a Pasadena courtroom; a fitting introduction for two people devoted to justice and service. They were married in California, and eventually made their home in Fairhope, Alabama, where Susan devoted herself to music, teaching piano, and to her community. She was a pioneer in the truest sense, opening The Open Door, a Christian bookstore in the Fairhope area, creating a gathering place for faith, community, and connection.

Susan devoted herself to studying the teachings of Christ, and His light shone brightly through her in everything she did. She embodied His teachings. A woman of deep and active faith, she served through St. James, her beloved church, and other community organizations. A gifted composer, she wrote a number of spiritual songs, a few of which are still sung in churches today; songs as beautiful and enduring as the woman who wrote them.

A gifted pianist and vocalist, Susan shared her talents generously, teaching piano to numerous students over the years. Her creativity extended beyond music. She was also a writer, painter, and gifted crafter. Her students still speak of what she gave them at that piano bench; not just music, but confidence, patience, and the belief that they were capable of something beautiful.

Susan had a tender heart for all living things. She found joy in sunflowers, birdsong, nature, sunsets, writing, art, and music. She showed those who loved her that joy is not something that happens to us, it is something we choose, regardless of the world around us.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Marion "Tut" Wynne, Jr.; her daughters, Jessica Wynne Ware (Jim Ware) and Elizabeth Wynne; her grandchildren, Gabriel Ware, Wynne Morris, Maria Morris, and Lennon Callaghan; and her sister-in-law, Maria Gwynn (Robbie Gwynn). She was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia, her father, Arvin, and two sisters, Kathy and Connie.

Susan was a loving spouse, mother, and grandmother, a musician, an artist and a teacher. Her family feels blessed to have shared their lives with her.

A memorial service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church in Fairhope on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made in her honor and given to St. James Episcopal Church or the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center (CARE House).