Susan Costa

Susan Costa 
Susan Harper Costa died peacefully in her home on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. She was 68.
The daughter of Eugene Willis Harper and Virgie Sellers Harper, Susan was born in Miami, Florida. She often recalled the fun her family had in Miami, swimming in the pool in their backyard, going to the beach, hosting family, and having fun with dear friends. Susan moved with her family to Hartwell, Ga., in 1968, where she attended Hart County High School and graduated Salutatorian of the class of 1971, as well as being named Star Student.
Susan moved to Athens, Ga. to attend the University of Georgia, and it was there that she met her husband and the love of her life, Joe Costa. Susan graduated with honors with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication (1974) and married Joe later that summer. She went on to earn a Master's Degree in Counseling in 1979, finishing her degree just before having their first child, Joey, in August of that year.
Joe and Susan welcomed their second child, Cindy, in February 1982 and started their insurance agency, Joe Costa & Associates in April 1982. Susan served as CFO of their business for 37 years, earning a number of designations in her field, including the title of CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor), and other honors as a leader in the industry.
Susan served as the first female president of Athens Toastmasters Club 1779, and was involved in numerous non-profits, including Come Alive Ministries (now Covenant Care Adoptions), The Jeannette Rankin Foundation, AOE Food Bank, Treasurer of the Athens Clarke County Republican Party, and others. She was also involved in her local church, serving in various ministries and teaching Bible Studies and Sunday School throughout her life.
Faith was a central part of Susan's life. Susan enjoyed studying the Bible and proudly earned her First Year degree from Charis Bible College in 2010. She also enjoyed water skiing, gardening, travel, shopping, golfing with Joe, warm weather, and being near the water, but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her beloved grandchildren, Noah, Tate, Nora, and Sadie.
She is survived by her husband, Joe Costa, of Athens; her children Joey Costa (Amanda Costa), Cindy Costa Reynolds (Justin Reynolds); her grandchildren, Noah and Tate Costa (Joey Costa), and Nora and Sadie Reynolds (Cindy Reynolds); her brother, Eugene W. Harper, Jr. (Dollie Harper) of Gainesville; and many cousins.
Susan was preceded in death by her father, Eugene W. Harper, Sr., her mother, Virgie Sellers Harper, and her beloved grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Susan Costa on Sunday, July 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Grace Fellowship - located at 1120 Malcom Bridge Road, Bogart, Ga. This is a drop-in event and the family will receive visitors during this time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support children around the world through Kids First www.kidsfirstfam.com/give or Ambassadors         To The Nations www.ambassadorstothenations.com/donation-options/
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.