Suzanne Cheek

Suzanne Connelly Myers Cheek, 89, died Jan. 31st, 2023, in Spruce Pine, NC. She was born in Thomasville, NC to Virginia Wardell and Robert Leo Myers on Aug, 16, 1933. She married James B. Cheek in Spruce Pine, NC on June 30, 1955. She grew up in Spruce Pine, NC and attended Harris High, where she was an avid organizer for the Teen Timers Club; she later moved to Lexington, NC where she graduated from Lexington High School. Suzanne graduated from the Women's College of UNC in 1955, where she served as editor of the Pine Needles yearbook. She taught first grade for over 40 years in the public schools of  Lumberton, NC; Athens, GA and Asheville, NC. Suzanne, known for her excellence in teaching reading and writing, served on Gov. Jim Hunt's state testing commission, received the Outstanding and Distinguished Service awards from Lumberton City Schools and the Buncombe County Association of Educators. In Athens, GA she was Oglethorpe Ave Elementary Schools Teacher of the Year. She loved reading, home decorating, event planning, and maintaining close lifetime friendships.

Suzanne retired to Spruce Pine in 1996 to her family home. Her later years were filled with both old and new friends, bridge nights, and Saturday afternoons enjoying music and dancing at the Orchard at Altapass. She is survived by her two sons, Robert James Cheek of Newland NC, and Thomas Irving Cheek of New Orleans; two sisters, Jackie Brown of Durham and Jane Shields of Rocky Mount; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM, Saturday, February 25th, at First Presbyterian Church, on 970 Greenwood Road in Spruce Pine, NC. Reverend Bill Sweetser will preside. The family will receive at the church at 1:00PM. Graveside service will take place at Spruce Pine Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice and Home Care Of The Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine NC 28777; https://www.hospiceblueridge.com/make-a-contribution.

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