Susan Elizabeth Pastorial

Susan Elizabeth Pastorial, surrounded by her family, passed away peacefully at home in Shelbyville, TN, on June 28, 2026. Susan was born April 14, 1952, to Roy and Murl Bice as well as three older brothers (Dick, Jerry, and Ken) in Bridgeport, WV. She attended Bridgeport High School during which she met her future husband and lifelong partner, John Rodger Pastorial. Despite attending rival high schools, they were married on February 10, 1973, and remained steadfastly loyal to each other while raising their three children - Jeffrey, Bethany, and Whitney - and cherishing their grandson, Aaron. Susan graduated from Fairmont University in 1972 with an Associates degree in Nursing and spent her entire 30 year career caring for patients in several units to include the ICU, CCU, NICU, ED, and outpatient surgery. She was named Nurse of the Year by her peers at Tennessee Christian Medical Center in 2004. Despite her achievements, she remained humble about her abilities as a compassionate nurse for many in need of comfort. Among the many other hobbies she enjoyed (traveling with her husband, swimming in Florida, and studying scripture to name a few), she was most notably a dedicated pianist. At the age of 5 she began learning piano and would become the church pianist for many congregations in TN, IN, WV, and FL. Many who encountered Susan knew of her deep faith often celebrated through music. She was a lifelong fan of Dino Kartsonakis, an evangelical pianist, and found comfort in music every day of her life. Susan was a dedicated mother and grandmother, loving wife, compassionate nurse, and devout Christian. While her loss is felt by many in her circle, her example of faith still counsels them beyond her passing. Susan is survived by her loving husband John; her children Jeffrey (Beth) Pastorial, Bethany (Jason) Pastorial, and Whitney Pastorial; grandson Aaron Pastorial; and brother Kenneth Bice. She is preceded in death but happily reunited with her parents Roy and Murl Bice, brother Richard “Dick” Bice, brother Gerald “Jerry” Bice, son Johnathan, and daughter Krista Jill. As was her wish, her earthly body was donated to further the education of medical students and will become a testament to her lifelong commitment to medicine. A Celebration of Life will occur at Edgemont Baptist Church in Shelbyville, TN, on August 14, 2026. Visitation will occur from 3-5 pm, memorial service from 5-6 pm, and a small reception will follow. Edgemont Baptist Church is located at 150 Fairfield Pike, Shelbyville, TN, 37160. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or Edgemont Baptist Church in Susan’s name. Donations will also be collected at Susan’s Celebration of Life. Feldhaus-Gowen-Smith Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Susan Elizabeth Pastorial.

Susan Elizabeth Pastorial

April 14, 1952 - June 28, 2026