Roll Call Tribute

Susan L. (Rowland) Sauls 

February 21, 1963 - December 21, 2023 

Susan Rowland Sauls passed away on December 21, 2023.

Susan was born in Gary, Indiana on February 21, 1963 and was a lifelong resident of Baytown, Texas. She graduated from Ross S. Sterling High School where she was a lead twirler and flute player for the school band. She had a bright mind for drafting which helped land her a job with an engineer once she went to college.

Susan graduated from Texas A&M University with her bachelor’s degree in secondary education (Class of 1985), which she earned by working multiple jobs to support herself. During her time in College Station, Susan was part of the Baptist Student Union and was on the administrative team for the MSC Wiley Lecture Series, a group responsible for coordinating and securing influential speakers for the student body.

Over the course of a decade, Susan worked as a physics and chemistry high school teacher and spent 2 years working in the Texas State Senate, but chose to leave her career for another passion—motherhood. In 1994, Susan and Derek were married in Albany, Georgia and had their first child, Pearce, one year later. Rowland, Grace, and Taplin followed from 1996 to 2001. She gave everything to her children and embodied a dedication to family.

Outside of her devotion to her family, Susan was a steadfast believer in Jesus Christ and her family was involved as members of their church, Second Baptist Baytown. She dedicated her time to directing Cubbies in the AWANA program and volunteering in the nursery. For a few years, Susan joined Baytown Junior Forum, a philanthropy group devoted to local charities. From 2009 to 2010, she served as president during which she conceived and planned the first annual Red Stocking Casino fundraiser.

Susan was the tastemaker of the family and exposed them to new food experiences around the greater Houston area. She was an avid reader and was always expanding her understanding of the world around her. She loved her time with family, especially at the beach. Galveston Island particularly had a special place in her heart due to it being her father’s hometown and she found any chance she could to take her family there. Overall, Susan loved her almighty Creator, her children were her treasures, and her husband and family were her joy.

Mrs. Sauls was preceded in death by her parents: Linda and John Rowland, Sr. She is survived by her husband of 30 years: Derek Sauls, children: Pearce Sauls and wife Bailey Sauls, Rowland Sauls, Grace Sauls, and Taplin Sauls, and numerous other relatives and friends including her parents-in-law, siblings, and nieces and nephews.

The family will hold Visitation from 5PM to 8PM on Friday, January 5th, 2024 at the Crespo & Jirrels Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place the following morning at Second Baptist Church Baytown on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at 10AM. The graveside service will follow at 3:30PM at the Walker Family Cemetery in Newton, Texas.