Sue Ellen Rich Garner

Sue Ellen Rich Garner was born September 9, 1953 in Asheboro, NC. She was the 8th of nine children consisting of four boys and five girls. Sue was blessed to be in a family, all saved by the grace of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior. Sue spent 35 years in dedication to transporting special needs children for Randolph County school systems. Her hobbies included collecting antiques, cooking and traveling. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Billy Garner, of the home. She is survived by her three adoring children: son Gary Smith (Karen) of Asheboro, daughter Traci Reynolds (Michael) of Grassy Creek, and daughter Melissa Martin (Eric) of Franklinville. Stepdaughter Ashley Mattfeld (George) of Asheville, and stepson Joshua Garner of Wilmington. Sue is survived by her loving grandchildren: Nathaniel Brown, Kasey Smith, Summer Smith, Noah Brown, Isaac Moore, Cordelia Chesson, Isabella Mattfeld and Frances Mattfeld, and great-grandchildren: Aubree Brown, Layla Brown and Aaliyah Locklear. In addition, she is survived by siblings: sister Linda Robbins (Tommy) of Asheboro, sister Bonnie Sheffield (Willie) of Seagrove, brother Ricky Rich of Asheboro, sister-in-law Shelby Branson (Allen) of Farmer, and sister-in-law Letha Crisp (Steve) of Rural Hall.

Sue was preceded in death by her mother and father, Albert and Annie Thorp, three brothers, Bobby Rich, Odell Rich Jr. and Darrell Rich, as well as two sisters, Lois Jean King and Carol Cranford. 

Sue passed away at the age of 70 on July 25, 2024 at the Randolph Hospice House. The family will receive friends on Monday, July 29, 2024 from 12:00-2:00pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro. Funeral services will follow on Monday at 2:00pm at the Pugh Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be held at the Farmer United Methodist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Randolph Hospice House, 446 Vision Drive, Asheboro, NC 27203.

Sue was often referred to as Suzie Q and Sweet Sue. She earned these endearing nicknames because of her infectious smile and the warmth she shared with everyone she encountered. You never left Sue without a kind word and a hug.