Susan Michaela Moore Chambers

1. Susan Michaela Moore Chambers
2. December 5, 1947 – May 25, 2026
3. 
   

Susan Michaela Moore Chambers, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, artist, educator, and community leader, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, at the age of 78.

Her passing occurred on National Tap Dance Day and Memorial Day—two dates carrying extraordinary symbolism for a woman who was both one of the finest tap dancers of her generation and a devoted patriot who deeply loved her country and the ideals of freedom, service, dignity, equality, and opportunity.

Born in Hamilton, Ohio, Susan was raised in Miami, Florida, where her love of dance emerged at an extraordinarily young age. It surprised no one that as a child she was already tap dancing circles around students nearly a decade older than she was. Her family later moved to Atlanta, where she graduated from Sprayberry High School and began laying the foundation for a life that would influence thousands.

Before becoming one of Georgia’s most respected arts educators, Susan flew for Delta Air Lines during the golden age of travel. With signature elegance, red fingernail polish, and impeccable professionalism, she traveled the world, serving everyone from Michael Jackson to royalty in first class. More importantly, she immersed herself in cultures, music, movement, and people everywhere she went. Even on layovers, she sought out dance classes and master teachers, continuing her lifelong pursuit of artistic excellence.

In 1980, Susan founded the Susan Chambers School of Theatre Dance on the Lawrenceville Square. What began as a small two-room studio became a visionary, multidisciplinary performing arts institution long before such schools became commonplace. Through her leadership, students received training across a wide spectrum of disciplines, creating opportunities for artistic growth rarely available under one roof at the time.

Over more than four decades, Susan built one of the region’s most influential performing arts communities, welcoming more than 15,000 students through its doors.

Its influence can still be seen today on Broadway stages, in ballet companies, classrooms, studios, and through the teachers, leaders, business owners, and artists carrying her lessons into communities across this country.

Because Susan was never merely building a performing arts school.

She was building human beings.

And generations later, the ripple effects of that work are still expanding outward.

Susan intentionally established the Susan Chambers Dance Company as a nonprofit organization because she believed the arts should belong to everyone. She raised funds so Title I students could participate in performing arts experiences, brought world-renowned instructors from institutions including the Kirov Ballet and Dance Theatre of Harlem to Georgia, and created opportunities for students to study in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

She choreographed and directed more than 450 productions and created Tapestry, a performing arts festival designed to bring schools together in celebration of artistry and community. There were intentionally no trophies, rankings, or competition—only connection, collaboration, and a shared love of the arts. She also wrote “The Trial of Mother Goose,” which ran for more than twenty years and served as countless children’s first experience with live theatre.

Her legacy continues through generations of artists. Former students are currently performing on Broadway, dancing with the Radio City Rockettes, serving as dance captains and educators, performing with ballet companies, touring productions, and arts organizations throughout the world.

 Beyond her professional accomplishments, Susan was known for her extraordinary ability to make people feel seen, valued, and capable of more than they imagined possible. She believed in people before they believed in themselves.

Susan was also a gifted gardener, avid reader, accomplished tennis player, devoted Sunday school teacher, choir member, and gracious host. From legendary Halloween parties and Easter egg hunts to Christmas celebrations, family reunions, pool parties, and countless gatherings, she created spaces where people felt welcomed, celebrated, and loved.

At the center of her life was her family.

She married James Michael Chambers after a blind date at a hockey game. Six weeks later they decided to marry, beginning a remarkable fifty-one-year love story built on faith, laughter, adventure, resilience, and devotion. Together they built a beautiful life, raised a family, and created a home that welcomed generations of loved ones.

Susan was a deeply devoted mother to Paige Chambers Rutsche (Marcus Rutsche) and Christopher Chambers (Sarah Chambers), and a beloved grandmother to Yardley and Rhodes Rutsche and Britton and Malone Chambers. Her grandchildren were among the greatest joys of her life. She delighted in sleepovers, crafts, piano lessons, swimming lessons, tap dancing in the kitchen, and cheering from the sidelines of every possible activity.

Whether mentoring a student, supporting a friend, encouraging a family member, or helping her grandchildren discover their own gifts, Susan had a remarkable ability to see potential before others could see it themselves.

Susan is survived by her husband, James Michael Chambers; her daughter, Paige Chambers Rutsche (Marcus Rutsche); her son, Christopher Chambers (Sarah Chambers); her grandchildren, Yardley Rutsche, Rhodes Rutsche, Britton Chambers, and Malone Chambers; her sister-in-law, Joanne Chambers; her nieces, Deborah Goodman (Adam Goodnan), Rebecca Lamb, and Karen Lee; her nephews, Dr. Stephen Chambers (Dr. Kacie Chambers) and Spencer Chambers (Ashley Chambers); and many beloved cousins, extended family members, former students, colleagues, and lifelong friends.

What began as one woman’s God-given gift became a legacy measured not simply in performances or productions, but in human lives transformed.

 Her greatest choreography was people.

Scripture tells us, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” — 1 Corinthians 13:13.

Susan lived all three.

She lived with faith.

She carried hope for others when they could no longer carry it for themselves.

And she loved with extraordinary generosity.

In the end, it is that love that remains.

What a life.

What a legacy.

What a love.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Wages & Sons Funeral Home, 1031 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30046. Receiving of guests will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a celebration service at 2:00 p.m. A reception honoring Susan’s life will follow.