Sue Ann Witherspoon Galey of Germantown, Tennessee passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the age of 87. She has departed to meet her husband of 67 years, George who passed away less than a year ago. It’s a story that repeats itself so many times with couples who shared so much of their lives together. Sue remained very active and unfortunately succumbed to a sudden illness which allowed her to pass peacefully with her children by her side. So many friends visited during her brief stay in the Hospice House and she was extremely grateful. We will certainly miss our mother, but she lived a very rich and full life.
Sue was born in Chicago, IL on November 15, 1936, to Roy Lee (Todd) Witherspoon and Mary Estell Danner Witherspoon. She was the third of 6 children and the last surviving of her siblings. Sue’s mother passed away in 1945 when she was 9 years old. Following her mother’s death Sue took an active role in helping the family as her father worked out of town to sustain the family.
Sue met her husband George Gordon Galey when he worked at the local drugstore in Greenfield TN as a soda jerk. They began dating when George returned from military service and were married in 1955. Sue and George decided to move to Memphis Tennessee to pursue careers and to raise a family. Sue raised 3 children and later began working at FedEx as an Executive Assistant. She retired after 15 years. She remained an active member of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir and assisted on many church committees. Sue was also active in the League of Women Voters.
Sue was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and by her 5 siblings (Patty, Martha Jo, Jimmy, Noble and Ronnie) She is survived by her children; Lawrence Alan Galey (Veronica), Stephanie Galey Haeger, and George Gordon Galey, II; six grandchildren; Jason Haeger (Aline), Daniel Galey, Allison Galey (Jason), Lauren Elizabeth Berretta (Jeremy), Elisa Galey, Christina Marie Galey, as well as 9 great grandchildren.
A visitation for Sue is planned for Tuesday, December 5, 2023, from 6 pm to 8 pm. The visitation will be at the Memphis Funeral Home 5595 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. On Wednesday, December 6th there will be a Funeral Service from 10 am to 11 am at Memphis Funeral Home. After the Funeral Service there will be a graveside burial service at 2:30 pm at the Highland Cemetery located at 215 Hatcher St. Greenfield, TN 38230. All are invited to attend.
People wishing to honor Sue’s lifelong commitment to family, God and community can send flowers to Memphis Funeral Home or make donations to the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Olive Branch, MS.
