Suzanne H. MacRae of Fayetteville, passed away on November 29, 2020. She was born on July 1, 1941, in Mount Gilead, North Carolina to Rae Alexander MacRae and Nellie Suzanne Haynes.
She received her Bachelor’s degree at Queens College in Charlotte, North Carolina and a Ph.D degree in English literature at the University of North Carolina. She taught medieval and English literature, as well as African studies at the University of Arkansas from 1967 until 2004 and was loved by her students.
Suzanne had many interests during her lifetime, including a love of animals, world travel, African culture, politics, dancing and many forms of music. She was a regular member of the University of Arkansas’ Master Chorale. She was also a faithful member of the local Democratic Party and a very generous donor to many animal and human rights causes.
Suzanne was a real presence in the Fayetteville community–a spirited concert, movie, and theater goer, as well as friends with many in the University and international community.
She had one sibling, a brother, Robert, now deceased.
She is survived by her cousin, Eugenia Sloan Carter of North Carolina.
A brief private burial-site ceremony is planned at Fairview Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
If you wish to make a donation in Suzanne’s memory, please make a memorial gift to Washington Regional Hospice or to the Fayetteville Animal Shelter.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
***NOTE: Portrait of Suzanne MacRae created by unidentified student***
Such a wonderful person. Always.
Suzanne was a dear friend to us over the last 20 years. She will be fondly remembered with love. Such an extraordinary woman in all her endeavors. She will be missed.
Suzanne was an inspiring professor and incredible spirit. I am fortunate to have known her.
Suzanne warmly welcomed me to Fayetteville and to the English Department when I arrived 25 years ago, and was in all ways a wonderful colleague. I am fortunate to have known her.
So sorry to read this. Suzanne’s duplex on Reagan Street in Fayetteville was warm and welcoming for many students in the late 60s early 70s.
I house sat for her in 1972 when the place caught on fire! I was asleep and barely woke up in time. None of her things were harmed, thank goodness. It was a scare. So…Mary Beth Edwards, Roger Kocher, WD Blackmon, Roger Booth, all other Toad Hallians, and so many others: let’s all rescue a gerbil. For Rosen Krantz, Gilda Stern, and all her animals.
Oh how I miss Suzanne strolls in front of my house keeping track of our dog over many years. .
Suzanne was probably the most inclusive person I’ve ever met– in class or out. Her generous heart may be stilled now, but her intrepid spirit remains alive to those whose lives she touched. A favorite memory: Suzanne sitting by Leighton Rudolph laughing as only she could at something he’d said during a Tea for Lyna Lee event in the QWC.
Suzanne was one of my most influential professors at the University of Arkansas, and I will never forget her. She was brilliant and iconoclastic, and she not only taught me about the subject matter but also about how to teach and how to live. I am fortunate to have been her student and her friend.
A wonderful teacher and a kind-hearted soul with a delightful sense of humor. To this day, any reference to Chaucer brings me back to her classroom and the baudy Old English tales she helped to contextualize for modern ears. Her door was always open. Her love of literature she was always eager to share. Rest In Peace, Dr. MacCrae.
Suzanne was my neighbor for almost 30 years! During that time she embraced our family and shared holidays with us. Her love for animals was impeccable as were her teaching skills … I took several of her classes. She was a woman of strength and commitment to her beliefs!
Many Thanksgivings with my family in the 80s and 90s. 😔
So sorry to hear about this. Suzanne was a wonderful person. I lived across the street from her for many years. Suzanne was the most interesting person! – Inspiring Professeur at the UA (in English and African Studies)) and her love for any animal was truly remarkable. I miss her stroll down the street (almost every day!) and her stopping by at everyone’s house just to visit – whether she knew you or not. Very active in the community too. I used to cut her hair with one hand (truly a feat!). She used to go on trips everywhere! but she loved Africa. I will miss you Suzanne.❤️ Gone, but not forgotten.
Suzanne brought Medieval British Lit to life for her students. Certainly no small feat! She loved teaching with passion and inspired her students with such vibrancy. An invitation to a soirée at her duplex was an event not to be missed. Her classroom was such a safe place to be, where every student’s voice was welcome. I’d lost track of Suzanne since graduating in the early 70’s, and just thinking about her takes me back to a special time in my life and in my studies. Such a free spirit! Peace out, Dr. MacRae.
Suzanne, you were a beloved mentor, teacher, and neighbor. I remember many adventures with your animals when I house-sat in the eighties. Fran and I will miss you.
Suzanne came into our family’s life through my brother Bill McDowell Baker and was revered, enjoyed, and treasured! Such a wonderful example of acceptance and joy…
She called my name on the mall out front of the student union in 1991 to ask me what I was doing after my impending graduation. I told her that I hoped to go to law school and the LSAT was occurring the next day. She figured I had not studied. She said you received a packet of information. I said, “Yes”. She said read one section out of each booklet and go to bed. I did exactly what she said and my score resulted in a full scholarship to the UA Law School. I thank God that she made me stop on the mall that day and thought it not robbery to share her wisdom.