Honoring the Life of Suzanne Waller

1949-2024

Suzanne Holland Waller (’71), 74, of Arlington, Texas, died March 7. One of the first women to graduate magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, she and her husband, Rodney, were also the first married couple in the nation to sit for and pass all four parts of the CPA exam on the first try at the same time. Waller was a highly talented and successful accountant and later owner of A Child at Heart, an upscale doll and toy store that became the third largest dealer of Madame Alexander dolls in the U.S. She was a member of the North Davis Church of Christ in Arlington for 48 years and wrote curriculum for the weekly ladies Bible study for 12 years.

“Suzanne Waller was a trailblazer for women in professional accountancy,” President Mike Williams said. “Her faith, love of family and life of accomplishment serve as a guiding example for the Women of Faith initiative at Harding.”

Serving on the University’s board of trustees from 2003-2016, she was the vice-chair of the Academic Affairs Committee and a member of the Audit, Risk and Compliance and Student Life Committees. 

“As a member of the board of trustees, Suzanne Waller sought the optimal well-being of all students, both academically and personally,” said Charles Ganus, board chairman. “Her family continues to support the work of Harding at the highest levels. We are saddened by her passing yet blessed by her great example.” 

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Rodney Waller (’71); three children, David (’96), Lynsay Brautnick (’00) and Whitney Bielefeld (’03); and six grandchildren.