Fort Worth fashion enthusiast remembered for her work ethic and passion for Western wear | Fort Worth Report

Angela Susan “Susie” Thurston adored beautiful things. Her passion for fashion was driven by one thing: finding beautiful things to sell to “beautiful customers,” said Gayle Hill, Maverick Fine Western Wear owner. 

From jewelry and bags to boots, clothing and even home goods, Thurston — a longtime leading staff member at the Stockyards boutique — always knew how to put merchandise together and make something special out of it, said Hill.

Thurston passed away at 61 years old Oct. 19 after a battle with cancer. Friends, family and customers say she will be remembered for the joy and passion she brought to each day. 

Thurston was born in Cleburne on Jan. 2, 1963, to Sonny and Myrna Thurston. Following her 1981 graduation from Covington High School, Thurston pursued her dreams in art and design. She moved to Dallas to attend Wade College, originally Miss Wade’s Fashion Merchandising College.

Hired by Hill, Thurston was brought on to the team at Maverick in 1989, where she excelled and “set the standard” for Western retail, an obituary reads. 

She loved her co-workers at Maverick and was dedicated to her career in fashion with a work ethic “like no other,” the obituary says. A people person, she even developed personal connections to the many customers who visited Maverick. Thurston was trusted with purchasing the latest high-end fashion and jewelry for the store. 

Western wear or not, Thurston knew how to make something out of any kind of merchandise she found in her 35 years working at Maverick as a buyer and merchandise manager. 

She was an inspiration and driving force for the Stockyards during her time at Maverick, said John Proffitt, owner of the John Proffitt Home furniture store. A hard worker, Thurston understood the market and catered to the store’s clientele, said Proffitt. 

The performance at Maverick has always been “astronomical,” Proffitt said, attributing a large portion of that success to Thurston. 

“What (Thurston) did there was just a tough job … it’s commendable,” said Proffitt. 

At Maverick, Thurston always came in with a good attitude and a sunny disposition, making it a pleasure to do business with her, added Proffitt. 

Thurston eventually also proved herself as the interior designer of the store and would regularly work with Proffitt to furnish Maverick. 

“She was the epitome of professionalism and kindness. She was always following up, always made sure it was a smooth transaction. She was just an all around solid person. It’s a tough loss, losing people like that,” said Proffitt. 

Her enthusiastic nature transcended her love for fashion. She also delighted in the simple joys of decorating her home, always decorated to match the time of year, and loved to be around her many friends. 

“She was a kind, gentle person. She was one of the sweetest people that I’ve ever met,” said Proffitt. 

Thurston was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her sister, Debbie Reagan and husband, Lyle; nephew, Thomas Fielding Reagan and wife, Claire; great niece, Rory Claire Reagan; daughter, Whitney Hilton and husband, Josh; grandson, Gus; stepson, Wills Ward and wife Emily; and godson, George Louden. 

Memorial services for Thurston were held Oct. 23 at First Baptist Church in Cleburne. A private burial was held at Rosehill Cemetery before the service. 

The Maverick will hold a memorial for Thurston on Jan. 23, 2025, at River Ranch Stockyards from 5 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Thurston’s wish was for people to donate to the animal shelter of their choice, according to an Instagram post by the store. 

Nicole Lopez is the environmental reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at nicole.lopez@fortworthreport.org. 

At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.

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