A HUGE part of the Barry community, a supporter of local events, a champion of inclusivity and equality, and one of our own at the Barry and District News has sadly died aged 56.
Suzanne Claire Vincent-Jones, known lovingly as SVJ, was a former editor of the B&D at the turn of the noughties before going on to write her hugely popular blog ‘Mrs SVJ’.
Mrs Vincent-Jones received a stage four cancer diagnosis in August 2022 and had been bravely fighting the disease ever since.
Tragically, a recent and sudden change in her health meant she was admitted to hospital, and after a rapid deterioration, she passed away peacefully on Monday, May 13.
In an emotional tribute online, it was written: “Sue was a huge part of the local community and championed and supported any local event that she could, including Cadstock and local Pride events.
“She was also an activist who used her (very loud) voice to amplify the voices of those who could not speak up for themselves.
“She campaigned for race equality, women’s rights, refugees rights, supported TGAO / SUTR campaign and much more.
“As a civil servant, Sue also played a huge part in supporting the Welsh Government's LBGTQymru, and as well as all of her important work within government over the years, Sue travelled to Prides across Britain as a representative of LBGTQymru, even attending 10 Downing Street on behalf of Stonewall Cymru.”
Mrs Vincent-Jones championing of equality was honoured by Amy Jane Davies online in one of what were hundreds of comments sending condolences to the family.
“Devastating news,” said Ms Jane Davies. “I worked with Sue during my final major project in Uni based on the LGBT community.
“Sue was wonderful and so helpful. An absolutely amazing woman! Rest in peace.”
Another comment written by Karl Webb summed up Mrs Vincent-Jones affect on the Barry community.
He said: “I'm numb reading this awful news. Sue was such a lovely lady. I loved her blogs and write ups as a journalist.
“She supported my events when she could, and was a big part of Cadstock.
"She always loved her home town of Barry, and was a family person. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends.”
Sue’s biggest passion was the arts.
Music was described as a part of her identity. This is something Cllr Ian Johnson could attest to, describing her long-term support as a committee member of the Cadstock Music Festival.
"I was very sad to hear of Sue's death,” said Cllr Johnson. "Sue was a Barry girl through and through, who always had the best interests of the town at heart.
“She was a great columnist and journalist who had strong and heart-felt opinions, and was always prepared to back them up.
"When she was editor at the Barry & District News, I was a regular reader of her 'Sue's Views' column and editorial that shone a spotlight on life in Barry.
"She loved reading and hearing about the history of Barry, was a passionate and award-winning queer activist, and a long-term supporter and committee member of the Cadstock Music Festival in Victoria Park, who I'm sure will want to do something in honour of her contribution to cultural and community life in Barry."
Suzanne Claire Vincent-Jones: September 14, 1967 – May 13, 2024, survived by her mother Celia, husband Martyn and children Chelsea and Harry.
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