Susan Clelland Baggett

Susan Clelland Baggett, 73, of Huntsville, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Born on June 4, 1952, in Houston, Texas, Susan was the daughter of the late James Lewis Young and Margaret Wayne Young. She was the fourth of five children and grew up surrounded by brothers Jimmy, David, and Michael, and her younger sister Jane. A Conroe High School graduate (Class of 1970), Susan was among the first women admitted to Texas A&M University, an institution she loved dearly and spoke of with great pride for the rest of her life. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1974 and a Master’s degree in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1983. Susan’s lifelong love of nature and the outdoors shaped her distinguished career. She began with the USDA Soil Conservation Service (later NRCS) in Lufkin, later serving Trinity and Walker Counties. After a short time with Louisiana Pacific, she returned to the NRCS as Texas State Forester for one year. She then served as NRCS Assistant State Conservationist in Oklahoma before becoming Texas State Resource Conservationist, a position she held until her retirement in 2013. She dedicated more than three decades to helping countless farmers, ranchers, and landowners care for the land she so deeply loved. Her passion for the outdoors also wove beautifully into her marriage. On May 2, 1980, Susan married the love of her life, David Baggett. Together they created cherished memories hiking through Central Texas and hunting in New Mexico. Faith was the heartbeat of Susan’s life. Raised in the Presbyterian Church, her relationship with Jesus Christ was her greatest treasure and guided every part of her journey. She and David built their marriage and raised their children on a strong foundation of Christian love and principles. Longtime members of First Baptist Church in Huntsville and more recently University Heights Baptist Church, Susan found special joy in A Time to Read and Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). She especially poured her heart into children’s ministry at University Heights, where her warmth, energy, and love brought smiles and faith to so many little ones. Susan is survived by her husband of nearly 46 years, David Baggett; son Chris deMilliano and wife Emily; daughter Jessica Kate Pendleton; grandchildren Abby Pendleton, Amelia deMilliano, Hayes deMilliano, and Johnathan Pendleton; siblings Jimmy, David, Michael, and Jane; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation will be held Friday, May 8, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at University Heights Baptist Church in Huntsville, followed by a celebration of life service at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Blackjack Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) in Susan’s memory. Susan’s love for Jesus Christ shone brightly through her awe of nature’s beauty, her joyful service to children, and most of all, in the deep, unwavering love she gave to her family every single day.

Susan Clelland Baggett

June 4, 1952 - April 29, 2026