Susan B. Redd

Susan B. Redd, of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away on August 6, 2026, at the age of 73. She was born in Danville, Virginia, to Doris and Tony Benazzi, and remained connected to her Danville roots throughout her life. Susan graduated from George Washington High School in the Class of 1971 before eventually making Atlanta her home in the 1980s.

Susan devoted 46 years of her life to public service, including a long career with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. As a Public Health Advisor and Program Analyst, she worked in infectious disease surveillance and immunization, with a particular focus on measles, mumps, and rubella. Her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to data integrity contributed to the public health work that helped establish that endemic measles had been eliminated in the United States. She also co-authored important public health studies published in prominent medical journals. Susan took great pride in her work and in the CDC’s mission of protecting communities and saving lives.

But while her career was an important part of Susan’s life, the people around her meant even more. The colleagues she worked with over the years became dear friends and confidants. To many of them, Susan was a mentor, a trusted friend, and a loving and caring presence—affectionately known to those closest to her as a “mother hen.” Her sharp mind, quick wit, and generous willingness to help others made a lasting impression. Even after retiring, she continued to keep in touch with and help many of her former colleagues. Her laughter and friendship remained a source of joy to them.

Susan was intelligent, curious, funny, kind, and fiercely independent. She had strong convictions and was rarely afraid to speak her mind or question the limits, always with a spirit that was unmistakably her own. Those who knew her best affectionately referred to her as a bit of a “wildcat.”

She was a voracious reader with an enduring curiosity about the world around her. She loved a good challenge, particularly a Sudoku puzzle. When she was younger, Susan enjoyed going out dancing, and throughout her life she appreciated good company and meaningful conversation. She loved her dogs and looked forward to beach trips with her beloved sisters, Nancy and Gayle. She also cherished her lifelong friendship with Allison Whitney, her best friend since childhood. Susan especially enjoyed arts and crafts with the children in her family, sharing her creativity and curiosity with the next generation.

Above all, Susan was a devoted mother who was immensely proud of her sons and treasured their time together. She also cherished her extended family and the many friendships she formed throughout her life. She is survived by her son, Jacob Redd, and son-in-law, Lance Simon; her brother-in-law, Micah Kaplan; her niece, Leah Mellone; her nephew, Isaac Kaplan; and her adored great-nieces and great-nephew, Mohini, Tonalhi, Dorothy, and Micah. She will also be deeply missed by the many friends and former colleagues who became part of her extended family.

Susan devoted much of her life to serving others through her work, but her greatest legacy will be the people she loved, the friendships she built, the laughter she shared, and the unmistakable impression she left on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

A funeral service will be held at Highland Burial Park in Danville, Virginia, at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026. A celebration of Susan’s life will also be held in Atlanta at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Reading Is Fundamental (https://www.rif.org/), a cause that was important to Susan.