Susan Stephens Oates, 75, of Abilene, Texas, passed away on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. She was born April 12, 1950, in Yoakum, Texas. A National Merit Scholar, Susan graduated from Victoria High School in 1968 and earned her teaching degree from Abilene Christian University in 1977. Susan married John Arthur Oates on June 12, 1970, in Victoria, Texas. In the 1980s, she and her husband served as house parents at Hendrick Home for Children, later continuing as foster parents. Throughout her teaching career, Susan taught at Stenograph Institute of Abilene, Hawley High School, Johnston Elementary School and Mann Middle School. She was a member of Highland Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her father, Homer Stephens Jr.; her mother, Agnes Louise Hempel Stephens; and her sister, Annie Mae Stephens Cowan. She is survived by her husband, John Arthur Oates; her daughter, Susan Kay Oates and partner DeAnna Knipfer; foster daughter, Rhonda Dye Staples; her brother, Steve Ronald Stephens; and her nieces, Allison Nicole Cowan and Leslie Anne Cowan and husband Ben Styrsky. The family is thankful to Lyndale Memory Care and Visiting Angels staff for their compassionate care. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. April 18, 2026, at North's Funeral Home in Abilene. The family is appreciative for flowers or donations to the Abilene Public Library in Susan's name. Susan was a lifelong, passionate reader of mystery novels.