Suzanne McKeel King

Suzanne McKeel King, age 72, of Ocean Isle Beach, NC (formerly of Whiteville, NC) passed away peacefully Sunday, March 3, 2024, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Angel House, Whiteville, NC.  Suzanne was born on November 26, 1951 to the late Dallas Clifton McKeel and Jean Smith McKeel.

Suzanne is a Whiteville native and attended Whiteville High School and Southeastern Community College.  She is married to Billy King; they were former members of Whiteville United Methodist Church, where Suzanne served on the Witness Committee.  They were currently attending Trinity Baptist Church.  They have two sons; Baird and Kyle.  Baird is married to Georgia, and their children are William, Louise, and Anne Hampton.  Kyle is married to Tasha, and their children are Hannah and Nora.

Suzanne’s commitment and promotion of our community have a long history of work and volunteerism in Whiteville and Columbus County.

Suzanne worked at Collier TV Appliance & Furniture for 27 years.  After owners Fred and Anna Jane Collier retired, she and Norman Nobles co-owned the business.  She also hosted the radio show Community Connection at WTXY for thirteen years.  Suzanne was featured in Our State Magazine, sharing her passion for the radio show, and promoting our community and its people.

In 2001, Suzanne served as chair of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.  She served as president of the Whiteville Downtown Development Commission in 2003 and continued to serve on the board for fifteen years.  Suzanne was project manager for the restoration of Vineland Station Depot and served on the board of the Depot.  She also served on Southeastern Community College Foundation Fund Drive for many years.

In honor of her service, Suzanne has received many awards.  In 2004 she received the NC Honorary Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service and the Business & Professional Women’s Woman of the Year award, in 2006 the Sol B. Mann Community Spirit Award, in 2009 the WECT-TV 6 Cape Fear Hero Award, and in 2010 the Columbus Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Honorary Lifetime Member Award.

Suzanne is a former member of the Whiteville Women’s Civic League, Town & Country Garden club, and Business & Professional Women’s Club.  Currently, Suzanne is an active member of the Columbus County Arts Council, Reuben Brown Historical Preservation Society, volunteers for the Shop Our Stores Downtown Whiteville event, and supports new businesses in Columbus County by attending ribbon cuttings and welcoming them to our business community.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 11:00 am at Trinity Baptist Church with Rev. Barry Swain officiating.  A private family graveside service will be held following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Whiteville City Schools, Attn: Annette Hamilton, 107 W. Walters Street, Whiteville, NC  28472, Memo: Suzanne King Memorial Scholarship Fund.

McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, NC  is serving the King family.

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