Katherine Sue Groff

Born July 31, 1955, in Kinston, NC, Susie lived a life marked by faith, service, and love of country. Susie began her working life alongside her parents and siblings in the family’s wallpaper store in Kinston. Later, she proudly served her country in the United States Air Force for nearly eight years. During her military service, she received several ribbons and medals, including the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. Susie was deeply proud of her service and never missed an opportunity to display her patriotic spirit and love for her country.

Following her military service, Susie earned her nursing degree and found another way to serve others by serving Jesus through medical missions in Micronesia. Upon returning to the United States, she continued her nursing career at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro, NC. Although her own medical conditions eventually required her to step away from nursing, Susie never stepped away from her heart for missions. She continued to support mission work through her generosity, encouragement, and prayers.

Of all the titles Susie held throughout her life, one of her favorites was “Aunt.” She dearly loved her nieces and nephews and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them.

Susie also deeply cherished her church family at Beacon Baptist Church, especially her beloved Grace Sunday School Class. For many years, they surrounded her with friendship, community, encouragement, comfort, and love. Her faith in her Savior was central to her life, and her desire to serve Him was evident in the way she cared for others.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents, Robert “Bob” Groff and Mary Evelyn Groff; her brother, Bobby Groff; and her aunt, Laverne Dwyer.

She is survived by her siblings, David (Cynthia) Groff, Betty (Russell) May, and Cindy (Randy) Gaskins; her beloved nieces and nephews, Yogi (Celia) Barwick, Mindy (Ray) Moore, Mary Beth (Jonathan) Hicks, Daniel (Rachel) Groff, DJ (Summer) Groff, Jared (Amy) Beverage, Adam (Julie) Beverage, Tony (Cassie) Groff, Jason (Amy) Groff, Melanie (Thurman) Stroud, and her cousin, Thomas Dwyer.

A visitation will be held at Beacon Baptist Church on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Clayton, NC.

In lieu of flowers, Susie requested that donations be made to the Missions Fund at Beacon Baptist Church.

In honor of Susie’s deep love for her country, those attending her Celebration of Life are invited to wear patriotic colors.

Susie’s life was one of service—to her country, to her Savior, to her family, and to those in need. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.