Virginia Beach—Susan Ann Roussel Blackman passed away on September 15 at her home in Virginia Beach while sleeping, apparently from respiratory arrest caused by COVID.
Susan was born in New Orleans, La., in 1966. In 1986, she married Jerome Blackman, a psychoanalyst from New York, and they moved to Virginia Beach. Susan graduated first in her class in the College of Arts & Letters of Old Dominion University in 1988. In 1989, her son Theodore was born. In 1995, Susan graduated from law school at William & Mary, #5 in her class, magnum cum laude, Order of the Coif, and she won the Gambrell Professionalism award. She joined the Norfolk law firm of Willcox & Savage as employment litigator. In 2000, she added business immigration law to her practice, later becoming head of the Immigration Section. She was made Honorary Consul to Denmark and met their queen.
Susan was a board member of the American Red Cross and on the board of directors of Arts & Letters of ODU. She was listed in the Best 25 Women Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers in America. Susan was also chair of the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce.
Susan had a warm smile, a dry wit, and a consistent desire to help other people.
Susan is predeceased by a brother, David Roussel, and by her father, Earl J Roussel, Sr.
She is survived by two sisters, Gaynel Sheldon, Ramona Cook, her brother, Earl J Roussel, Jr, her mother, Mrs. Peggy Labom, by her husband, Jerome S. Blackman, MD, and her son, Theodore Abraham Blackman.
A funeral was held at Holloman-Brown Funeral Home with Rabbi Israel Zoberman officiating. Please send any contributions to the Bishopsgate Civic League, c/o James Hagerty at 795 Bishopsgate Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.