Sue Stephens Gore

Lyda Sue Stephens Gore,age 84 of Whiteville, NC, died Saturday, October 24, 2020 at the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center in Whiteville. Sue was born in Columbus County to the late Bud Stephens and Lyda Benton Stephens on April 17, 1936.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband; Joseph Paul Gore, Sr., brothers; Luke Stephens, Brunson Stephens, and Jack Stephens, and sisters; Helen Cunningham and Leona Martin.

She is survived by a daughter; April Susan Gore Smith of Wilmington, NC, a son; Joseph Paul Gore, Jr. of Whiteville, NC, two grandsons; Hunter Smith and Grant Smith, a granddaughter; Marly Gore, one sister; Anne Stephens Gore of Whiteville, NC, and several nieces and nephews.

Sue attended St. Marys College in Raleigh for 2 years after high school and then graduated from Queen's University in Charlotte, NC.  After college she and her husband, Joseph Paul Gore, dedicated their lives to educating children.  Both taught for over 30 years each at Williams Township School in Columbus County. 

Sue was a member of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, Major General Robert Howe Chapter. She was also a long serving member of Delta Kappa Gama, Aza-Mellia Garden Club, and a member of the Whiteville United Methodist Church, where she served many years as a Sunday School teacher and helped with the Food Pantry.  In Sue's retirement years she spent many hours volunteering with church work, and also at Columbus Regional Hospital, as well as the Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center in Whiteville, NC. 

It gave Sue great joy spending time with family and friends.  She adored her grandchildren; Hunter, Grant, and Marly.  It would give her immense pride to attend sporting events and other activities they were involved in!  Nothing made Sue happier, but to be called Nana, not only by her own grandchildren, but also by other children, big and small in the community.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, at 11:00 am at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Chip Hannah, Rev. Scott Gore and Rev. Terry Hunt officiating.

Active pall bearers that will serve at Sue's service will be her nephews; Jeff Cunningham of North Myrtle Beach, SC; Jimmy Williamson of Whiteville, NC; Ludon Stephens of North Myrtle Beach, SC; Michael Floyd Stephens of North Myrtle Beach, SC; Michael Stephens of Chadbourn, NC and former student and friend; Willis Nealy of the Williams Township Community. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lower Cape Fear Life Care, 206 Warrior Trail, Whiteville, NC  28472 or Whiteville United Methodist Church, 902 Pinckney St., Whiteville, NC  28472.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sue Stephens Gore, please visit our floral store.