Susan Joan Hornaman

Susan Hornaman, 63, of Zephyrhills, FL, formerly of Aberdeen, SD, went to be with the Lord on July 21, 2025. She had a lifetime of faith to assist her with her journey.

A Graveside Committal Service will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery at a later date. 

Susan was born to John "Jack" and Joan (Holman) Hornaman in Aberdeen, SD, on August 9, 1961. 

Susan was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Aberdeen. She attended St. Mary's Elementary School, Roncalli Jr. High, and Roncalli High School, graduating in 1979. Her musical talent and art appreciation began during her time at Roncalli, where she played in the school band and participated in art projects. 

She then attended Northern State University, where she majored in Elementary Education and graduated in 1983. She worked at several companies in the Aberdeen area before moving to Florida. She taught for 35 years in the Florida school system. She was awarded Teacher of the Year in Florida. 

In 1991, she was united in Marriage to Jeffrey Draves in Tampa, Florida. 

Susan had an infectious smile and humor that made students enjoy being taught by her. She made learning fun. She incorporated her background in music and art into her teaching. These attributes made her elementary education of children outstanding. All her students remember her as being the best teacher a child could have. She could find humor no matter the ugliness of a situation. Her heart was as huge as her smile and laugh. 

Susan was also a woman of faith. She adhered to her religious upbringing and participated in church ceremonies and activities in every community she lived in. In Florida, she was active in the church food pantry and church craft shows. 

Her memory will be cherished by her husband, Jeffrey Draves; daughter, Teresa (Brandon) Meier; mother, Joan Hornaman; brother, Cary (Sylvia) Hornaman; uncle and godfather, Thomas Holman; many cousins, friends, students, aunts, and uncles.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Hornaman; maternal grandparents, Arthur "Archie" and Eva Holman; paternal grandparents, Fred and Ruth Hornaman; and several aunts and uncles.