"My family learned the tragic news today of Joey's passing. We are weekly regulars at Sam's Burger and always appreciated Joey's personality, his attention to great service and genuine sincerity that our experience was pleasurable. Joey was a highlight at Sam's Burger and we will miss him and always remember him fondly. Our heartfelt condolences to the family. Tom Grace "
In loving memory of
Joseph Van Susteren
September 5, 1988 - April 5, 2020
Joey Van Susteren, age 31, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2020. He is mourned by his mother, Tricia Soudil Van Susteren, his siblings Elliot and Kiersten Van Susteren, and a large community of extended family and friends. We loved Joey dearly.
Born in Houston, Joey attended Valley Oaks Elementary School, Cornerstone Middle School, and graduated from Memorial High School in 2006. After graduating, Joey studied Journalism at the University of North Texas. Throughout his life, Joey entertained us with his bold sense of humor, always cracking jokes. He was a lifelong member of the peanut gallery and was able to liven up even the most drab of family dinners.
A creative and compassionate spirit, Joey found joy within music and writing. He appreciated all different genres of music and inspired his family to listen with an open mind. His favorite genre was hip hop because of its literary complexities. This propensity for literature inspired Joey to practice writing for both personal enjoyment, as well as a professional service.
Within his work, Joey also strived to feed his passion of making others happy. His main professional fields of interest were in the food service industry and law. As a food service worker, Joey was employed as a cashier at Sammy's Wild Game & Grill, maS Taco, and Sam's Burgers. He was recognized for his compassionate customer service and welcoming attitude. In the law industry, Joey worked at the Amaro Law Firm, Powers Law Group, and the Law Offices of David J. Van Susteren. Joey used his fluent Spanish speaking skills to serve many Spanish-speaking Houstonians through the process of immigration. His passion for customer service guided him through all of his professional career.
A memorial and celebration of life service will be held in Houston once the COVID-19 quarantine lifts
In lieu of flowers , donations can be made in Joey's name to the Jed Foundation, or to the "In loving memory of Joey Van Susteren" GoFundMe page: http://ow.ly/1kxU30qwBQo
Tributes
"it was always a pleasure talking with Joey. He genuinely appreciated people and he could always make me laugh. He had a remarkable sense of humor. With everything life had thrown at Joey, how he overcame it, and put so much happiness into his interactions with others is nothing short of inspirational. Joey was always a true and loyal friend. He valued people and relationships with them. I am greatly saddened that he is no longer with us but take comfort that he is making people laugh in heaven. I have a favorite poem that brings me comfort in times like this. It is called All is Well and was written by Henry Scott-Holland. I've pasted it hear and hope it brings some comfort to everyone who knew Joey. He would want us to take these words to heart. All is Well - Henry Scott-Holland - 1910 Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before. How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again! "
"Joesph was a thinker and searcher. I so valued his continual search for meaning through God. The scariest people on earth are those who think they have it all figured out. Joey always went the extra mile to ask the bigger question and steep himself in the mystery of God's abundant grace. Whenever I think of Joey, I'll always remember to ask the question, search for understanding, and strive to be more like Christ (who was never okay with simple answers). Thanks be to God for the life of Joey Van Susteren. Such a gift. "
"I was so sorry to hear of Joey's passing, and my deepest sympathy to his family. I remember Joey for his charisma and razor-sharp intellect. He always brightened my day when I saw him at Valley Oaks or Cornerstone. He made a positive difference in this world. Jennifer Bailey"