Suzanne Marie Buckwalter, 76, known lovingly as Suzie to her close friends and family, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 15th, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, surrounded by her family after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s and dementia.

Born on January 22, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Billie Burcham and Janet Graf. Both of her parents, as well as her older brother Stephen Burcham, proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. Because of their service, Suzie spent much of her childhood in different places before the family eventually settled in Virginia Beach, where she graduated from Princess Anne High School.

In 1971, Suzie married Herbert Watts, and together they welcomed two daughters, Jalene in 1972 and Jennifer in 1976. She later married Ronald Knowles in 1978 and Edward Buckwalter in 2003, both of whom survive her.

Suzie’s family and friends were the center of her world. She loved the beach, enjoyed fishing, and cherished the many beloved dogs she raised and trained over the years. Her passions shaped her life – she worked as a cosmetologist, a dog breeder, groomer, and trainer, and later retired as an associate with a large local healthcare company. She earned numerous awards in Semi-Pro Women’s bass fishing competitions and in dog shows, reflecting her dedication and talent.

In addition to her parents, Suzie was preceded in death by her brother, Stephen.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Jalene Dorris and Jennifer McKie; her granddaughters Brittany Dorris and Kylie Melvin; her grandsons Bryan Melvin and Jonathan Melvin; her younger brother Gary Burcham; her dearest friends Dana Beamon and Peggy Byers; her former husband and lifelong friend Ronald Knowles; and many extended family members and friends near and far.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at her home in Virginia Beach, VA 23462. For the address or directions, please email obxjalene@hotmail.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local SPCA or to a Parkinson’s research foundation in Suzie’s honor.