Cheryl Koontz Sueur

Born on December 6, 1953, in Lexington, North Carolina, Cheryl grew up in nearby Welcome. Among the greatest joys of her life was the deep and enduring love she shared with her husband, Captain Rhys Sueur, SC,USN (Ret.). Having known one another for more than 50 years and shared 32 years of marriage, Cheryl and Rhys built a life together rooted in friendship, shared adventures, and unwavering devotion. They were not only husband and wife, but the best of friends and truly the loves of each other's lives.

Throughout her life, Cheryl possessed a remarkable gift for connecting with others, bringing warmth and kindness wherever she went and leaving a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know her. It was often said that Cheryl never met a stranger. She could strike up a conversation with just about anyone, and as her family lovingly recalled, she "could talk to a stump." Behind that familiar expression was a genuine interest in others and an extraordinary ability to make people feel welcomed, valued, and included.

Cheryl not only made friends easily but also cherished and nurtured those friendships throughout her life. Her gift for bringing people together was reflected in her involvement with New Friends of the Carolinas, where she served as president from 2012 to 2013. She also generously gave her time volunteering at retirement communities, including Aldersgate and The Sharon. Whether among lifelong friends or people she had only just met, Cheryl had a way of making others feel as though they had known her for years.

Emily Post once wrote, “The attributes of a great lady may still be found in the rule of the four S’s: Sincerity, Simplicity, Sympathy, and Serenity.” Cheryl exemplified these qualities in the genuine interest she took in others, the kindness she extended so freely, and her remarkable ability to make everyone feel welcome. At her core, Cheryl was a true Southern lady, whose warmth, graciousness, and generosity of spirit made her so beloved. Always impeccably dressed, she carried herself with elegance and grace, but it was her radiant smile and welcoming personality that truly set her apart. With her wonderful sense of humor and natural joy in the company of others, she made even ordinary moments feel special.

That same openness to people and new experiences shaped a life filled with adventure. From her roots in North Carolina, life took Cheryl to Boston, Massachusetts, and Patuxent River, Maryland, before she returned to Charlotte in 1999. She also enjoyed extensive travels, including journeys throughout Europe and Asia. Her professional life included work as a marketing representative for Enterprise Rent-A-Car, a role particularly well suited to her outgoing personality and natural ability to connect with others.

Wherever she lived or traveled, Cheryl found ways to create a sense of home and belonging. New places became familiar, acquaintances became friends, and communities were enriched by her presence. In October 2024, she made her home at The Barclay, beginning another chapter filled with opportunities for friendship and connection. For Cheryl, home was never simply a place, but something she created through the relationships she nurtured and the love she shared.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her dearly loved parents, John Edwin and Alma Mills Koontz, and her adored younger brother, Lt. Colonel Thomas F. "Dody" Koontz, USMC Ret. She is survived by her beloved husband, Captain Rhys Sueur; her in-laws, Karen Koontz and Dr. and Mrs. John McReynolds; and her nieces and nephews, Sage, Ehren, and Ryan Koontz, Theresa McReynolds Shebalin, and Will McReynolds, along with the many friends whose lives were enriched by her presence.

The final seven years of Cheryl's life were marked by a courageous struggle with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS). Through the many challenges of her illness, she demonstrated extraordinary strength and resilience, yet her illness never defined the fullness of who she was.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ai, Dr. Michael Smith, and the dedicated nurses and caregivers at Levine Cancer Institute for the compassion and care they provided throughout her illness.

As we remember Cheryl, we honor the courage with which she faced life's greatest challenges, but we celebrate even more the extraordinary life she lived. We remember her radiant smile, her laughter, her love of adventure, and the countless lives made brighter by her kindness. Above all, we remember a woman whose life was a testament to courage, grace, and resilience, and whose love and generosity of spirit will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.

Interment will be held at Quantico National Cemetery on Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 10:30 am and a Celebration of Life will be held at the McEwen Funeral Home in Pineville, NC on Sunday, December 6, 2026 from 2:30-4:30 pm.