Sue W. Leary

Sue W. Leary was a classy, fun-loving Mississippi girl at heart with an amazing sense of humor that carried her through many life challenges. After 2 years in college, she caught the eye of a young Yankee pilot-in-training who would soon be leaving for war across the ocean. He asked her out, and she said, "you can take me to church!" Dodge quickly married her, so no one else could while he was gone! Thus began their great global adventure with the United States Air Force. She established 13 homes in 22 years while traveling the world with her husband. All three of their children were born in different states across the country. As a full-time Mom, she was worth far more than her salary, especially as her kids and grandkids benefited immensely from her life-giving and generous investments of love and time. When Dodge died from cancer after 34 years of marriage, she found great comfort reading the Bible when she woke up alone in the middle of the night. This rekindled her childhood faith and led to her baptism and active involvement in the choir, Sunday School, and Living Pictures at Liberty Baptist Church in Hampton, VA for 4 decades. Her Southern hospitality was appreciated by all, especially those who got a taste of her delicious chicken and dumplings. She also loved to dance and was an active Square and Round Dancer well into her 80s. Sue lived in Hampton, Virginia since 1965 and remained closely connected to Langley Air Force Base. She enjoyed her final years with old and new friends as a resident at The Chesapeake Retirement Community in Newport News, Virginia. On December 27, 2020 after 98 years on this earth, Sue went to her final home in heaven with the Lord she loved. She has left a legacy in our hearts that continues to be a blessing to her family as we share so many favorite memories of her. She is survived by her children, Susan Hassell, Katie Hash (her husband, Macol), Michael Leary (his wife, Gay Ann), her 6 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, as well as her best friend, Tommie Faulkner-Peake, who was like a sister to her. Her many nieces and nephews remember her fondly. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a future date. She will be buried with her husband, Dodge, at Arlington National Cemetery. We invite you to remember Sue with gifts in her memory to your favorite charity.