Sue Kirby Noakes died October 25, 2013, of complications of rheumatoid arthritis. She was born in Portales, New Mexico, May 28, 1939, daughter of James Ennis Kirby and Sallie Gilbreath Kirby. She was married for 52 years to Dr. John Edward Noakes, professor at the University of Georgia and Emeritus Director of the Center for Applied Isotope Studies. She was a member of University Woman’s Club and chair of the Book Review group for a number of years. She obtained a master’s degree in Special Education at the University of Georgia and was student and mentor for Education for Ministry for eight years at Emanuel Episcopal and St. Gregory the Great Episcopal where she was a member.
She was a church musician for almost 50 years, starting when she was 14 at her home church in Hereford, Texas. She served for 12 years as organist at St. Gregory the Great Episcopal and served on the vestry and various other committees. Her most recent organ service was at the Episcopal Church of the Advent in Madison, Georgia for 8 years. She had been a resident at The Pines in Davidson, North Carolina, for the past two and a half years.
She is survived by her husband, John, and two children, Wendy Noakes Readling of Davidson, North Carolina, and William O’Neil (Bo) Noakes of Atlanta, Georgia, two grandchildren, Caleb and Erin Readling of Davidson, North Carolina, and three sisters: Dr. Karolyn Kirby Eisenstein of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Ann Kirby of Houston, Texas; and Rebecca Kirby, M.D., of Wichita, Kansas; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 11am Wednesday, October 30th at St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church with Rector Beth Long officiating. The family will receive guest at Bernstein from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, October 29, 2013.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Clarke County Public Library, 2025 Baxter St., Athens, GA, 30606.
On line condolences may be made at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com
Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service are in charge of arrangements.
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