Susie Hennessee, 93

Susie Simmons Hennessee, 93, of Sunshine, passed away Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

She was born on February 15, 1930 in Catawba County. She was a daughter of the late Robert Elijah Simmons and Ollie Sigmon Simmons. She was also preceded in death by her first husband Gerald M. Killian Sr., of Catawba County, and her second husband Dewey W. Hennessee of Rutherford County; her sisters, Stella Marlowe, Laura Huffman, Edith Sigmon, Mary Barger, Lucille Reed, Ruby Morrison, Pauline Teague; and her brother, Clyde Simmons. 

She was a graduate of Startown High School Class of 1947. Susie worked for J.C. Penney Company for many years, and was manager of Top Value Enterprises of Hickory. While living in Catawba County, she was the first woman elected to the Catawba County Board of Education.  She began the formation of the Hickory Sweet Adelines in 1968, a barbershop chorus for women. She also was a member of St. Stephens Lutheran Missouri Synod before moving to Rutherford County in 1975. 

While residing in the Sunshine Community of Rutherford County, she was an active member of Cedar Grove United Methodist Church, where she served as choir director, Sunday School teacher, church board member and meal preparations. Susie also helped with several mission trips to South America with the First United Methodist Church in Forest City. 

She retired from food service at Isothermal Community College, and was later employed by Bostic Insurance and Tax Service until she 80 years old. 

Susie loved to sing, and was a member of the church choir, the Foothills Community Choir, the Rutherford County Choir, and the Spencer Baptist Church Kitchen Band - singing and playing the washboard. 

She is survived by her sons, Gerald M. Killian, Jr. and his wife Janet, of Hickory, Rob K. Killian and his wife Robin, of Bostic; and Christopher W. Hennessee of Lenoir; her daughter, Robin Hennessee Laffey and her husband Patrick, of Morganton; there are 5 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren. 

The Funeral will be conducted at 3:00 pm Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Cedar Grove Fellowship Church. The Rev. Jason Harris will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm Saturday at the church prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cedar Grove Fellowship Church Cemetery Fund, PO Box 278, Bostic, NC 28018 or Hospice Of The Carolina Foothills, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

Washburn & Dorsey Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences @www.washburndorsey.com.