Susie Winston Bain

Susie Winston Bain was born on July 21, 1922 in Markham,Texas a little town about nine miles from Bay City Texas. On February 3, 2017 she left our world to travel to the arms of God. When Susie was 19 she joined the WASP(Women Air Force Service Pilot) class 44-4 . 28,000 young women applied to get their wings but only 1704 actually graduated the program.

Mothers favorite saying was "They kept telling me to fly like a lady " Susie co-piloted a B-26 that towed targets for gunners in a B-17 so wearing the right color of lipstick was the last thing on her mind. She would always stress that it wasn't important that she was a woman but rather that she was a pilot helping the other men who were so desperately in need of other pilots. To call her a humble woman is an understatement. On March 10,2010 Susie and other WASPs and their recipients were honored to receive the highest civilian award The Congressional Gold Medal of Honor.

Susie was married to Carson Bain the mayor of Greensboro,N.C. For 36 years Throughout her marriage she worked for Bain Oil Company along with her husband and other family members. . After her divorce she moved to Texas to start a landscaping career as she always loved color and beautiful plants around her. You could say ,up until arthritis plagued her body , she could two step her way across Texas.

She is survived by her three children Debby Bain McCray, Austin, Robert Carson Bain(Vicki) Greensboro, N.C. And Betty Osborn(Bud) in Tacoma WA. Amongst them are 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. We held a private only service in Austin inside the little chapel for out of town families.

On February the 18 we plan to have a military funeral service at St. Marks Episcopal Church @ 11:00 am. Followed by that a separate Celebration of Life will be offered by Debby, family and friends at their home. My mother would want us to celebrate her incredible and heroic life through fellowship and laughter.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:
St Marks Episcopal Church 2128 Barton Hills Drive Austin, Texas 78704
American Heart Association
Arthritis Foundation
National WASP museum in Sweetwater, Texas

Debby B McCray wrote on Jun 17, 2019:

"Lit a candle in memory of Susie Winston Bain"

Dawna wrote on Jun 17, 2019:

"Lit a candle in memory of Susie Winston Bain"

Janice Robbins Dobb wrote on Feb 25, 2017:

"I am so sorry in the loss of Susie.I really enjoyed talking with her about flying and her time in the WASP as I was in the U.S. Air Force so we had a connection through the military. I thank her greatly for her service to our nation during those most difficult of times. She will be remembered as a pathfinder for women flying aircraft. I know ya'll will miss her greatly. Wishing you comfort and peace. God Bless You and Your Family. With love Your Cousin Janice Robbins Dobb"

Betty "Boo" Fields wrote on Feb 19, 2017:

"Susie Winston Bain was certainly a bundle of joy to be around. Sharp as a tack , sweet and such an incredible yet subtle sense of humor . Her service in WWII as a WASP ( Women's Air Force Service Pilot ) was so historical as the WASP's were the first lady pilots in the USA to fly military aircraft . . She was forever patriotic to the USA . Keep flying Susie . Thank you for your service . - Betty " Boo" Flournoy Fields -"

Lynn Rudolph wrote on Feb 17, 2017:

"I was so impressed by this wonderful lady when I had the good fortune to spend time with her. Truly a warm, loving soul, with a delightful, light-hearted presence. Debby, I know your mom was so proud of you and your adoration of her was very evident. What a beautiful testament to you as people to have such a relationship. I'm sure you know she is with you. Wishing you comfort and peace now and sending my love. Lynn"

Debby B McCray wrote on Feb 17, 2017:

"1 file added to the tribute wall"

Margie Niles from Lafayette IN wrote on Feb 16, 2017:

"Susie was a true American War Hero. I was so touched by reading her life story. I never met Susie personally but I feel like I know her by reading about her online. Also my lifetime friend Diane Silver's is a member of Susie's Church in Austin Texas... and she shared so many wonderful memories of knowing and admiring Susie for many years. God bless her family with our hearts full of joy from having an amazing mother like Susie."

maxine wrote on Feb 15, 2017:

"What a beautiful site to share. I am sure she had many butterflies cross her path in her flower garden. You were a wonderful daughter to her. Such a blessing to cherish."

Debby B McCray wrote on Feb 14, 2017:

"Her full name is Susie Marie Winston Bain"

Debby B McCray wrote on Feb 12, 2017:

"Mom w granddaughter"

Debby B McCray wrote on Feb 12, 2017:

"1 file added to the tribute wall"

Krissa Christy-Harkrider wrote on Feb 10, 2017:

"How beautiful. Sending our love to you and your family."

Debi Higdon wrote on Feb 10, 2017:

"Debby, My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend. Love u. "

Clarissa Reburn wrote on Feb 10, 2017:

"You were such a gift to your mom. Prayers for everyone."