Susanne Yarbrough Draeger

Susanne Yarbrough Draeger, formerly of St. Simons Island, Georgia, died on June 27, 2026, at Pine Pointe Hospice. A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 582 Walnut Street, Macon, Georgia, with the Reverend Cynthia Knapp officiating. Interment will be private.

Susanne was born in Macon, Georgia, on July 16, 1950, to the late C.A. Yarbrough, Jr. and Anne Patrick Yarbrough. She grew up in Georgia and attended the University of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and Art in 1972. Her education provided the foundation for a distinguished career in interior design that spanned decades and extended well beyond the United States.

After graduation, Susanne began her professional career in Athens, Georgia, serving a diverse clientele, including the University of Georgia. Her early work established a reputation for thoughtful design and meticulous attention to detail.

She later relocated to Arlington, Virginia, where she became President and Interior Designer of Nova International in Washington, D.C. Under her leadership, Nova International provided comprehensive interior design services to an international clientele, guiding projects from initial concept through the final installation of furnishings.

Her work at Nova International led to an extraordinary international career. She managed projects around the world and traveled extensively, including to 15 former Soviet bloc countries, an uncommon accomplishment during a period of significant political and economic change in Eastern Europe. Her work also enabled her to spend part of her career living in Paris, France, broadening both her professional experience and her appreciation of international architecture, art, and design.

Susanne was a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and the highest standards of the interior design profession.

After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Susanne retired to St. Simons Island, Georgia, where she lived for the remainder of her life. She died on June 27, 2026, at the age of 75.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, William Draeger. She is survived by her brother, C.A. "Tripp" Yarbrough III (Karen); her daughter, Catherine Neil Newberry of Baltimore, Maryland; her son, Charles Fred Newberry III (Kerry) of Los Angeles, California; her grandchildren, Charlie IV and Alma; nieces and nephew, Austin Johnston (Blake), Caitlin Evans (Charlie), and Colby Yarbrough (Haley).

The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Pine Pointe Hospice for their kindness and extraordinary care of Susanne. Special thanks are also extended to Alicia Wiley and Deanna Cameron for the compassionate care they provided over several years while Susanne lived on St. Simons Island.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 582 Walnut Street, Macon, Georgia 31201, or Pine Pointe Hospice, 6261 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia 31201.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express your condolences.

Hart’s Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia 31210, has charge of the arrangements.