As a student at East Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, NC, RoEna served as her senior class treasurer. Following graduation in 1956, she began working with Southern Bell Telephone, where she continued employment for 34 years. After retiring from the telephone company, she worked alongside Billy at Sustar’s Alignment until his retirement in 2000.
RoEna and Billy met at a hotdog and hamburger roast in 1956 and after seeing each other again some weeks later at Myrtle Beach, SC, Billy said, “I decided I would keep her.” They were devoted to each other and then spent 66 years of marriage in Mint Hill.
RoEna reached a point in her life at about 41 years of age where she chose to make a commitment of her life to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. She joined Arlington Baptist Church with her husband, Billy, and their three children, Ben, Patrick and Tammy. She had always been fully devoted as a wife to Billy and as a mom to her children. Proverbs 3:5-6 became one of her favorite passages of scripture which she began to live out in her daily life. Her desire was to keep learning to trust what the Lord is able to do rather than leaning on her own understanding.
RoEna was described by so many as one who loves so well and was genuinely sweet and kind to others. Billy spoke these words about her, “She was always able to see the sunshine in a cloudy day.” RoEna very often had such a witty sense of humor that people just laughed at and found very endearing. Remembering RoEna, she was one who always gave her best regardless of any obstacles.
RoEna was predeceased by her parents, Marley and Eula Mae Griffin; and sisters, Annette Biggers and Meldonna Britt. She is survived by her husband, Billy Hugh Sustar; children, Ben (Cindy) Sustar, Patrick (Debra) Sustar, Tammy (Jeff) Hoffman; grandchildren, Lauren (Chuck) Dobner, Harrison (Melissa) Sustar, Grant (Ali) Sustar, Rachel (Cole) Ward, Christin Sustar, Karis Sustar, Luke and Levi Hoffman; bonus granddaughter, Kass (Adrian) Zoodsma; great grandchildren, Lily Dobner, Charlotte Sustar, Bonus; great grandsons, Archer and Atlas Zoodsma; and sister, Marguerite Hough.
Donations can be made in RoEna’s honor to Novant Health Hospice, 324 N. McDowell Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204, Arlington Christian Academy, 9801 Arlington Church Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227, and West Stanly Christian Ministry, Post Office Box 27 Stanfield, NC 28163.
