Susan Reinhardt Holbrook

Susan, the daughter of Hubert and Rebekah (Phillips) Reinhardt, was a 1968 graduate of Newton-Conover High School. She attended Appalachian State University and earned both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Elementary Education. Susan dedicated 38 years to education as a beloved K–2 teacher. She began her career in Stone Mountain, Georgia, then returned home to Newton. She spent 37 years of her career teaching for Newton-Conover City Schools at Thornton Elementary, where she made lifelong friendships and positively influenced generations of children. Teaching was not just her profession—it was her calling.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, William “Bill” Reinhardt; and her husband, Donnie Ray Holbrook.

Susan is survived by her two daughters, Amanda (Brandon) Moose of Newton, and Rebekah (Michael) Laney of Raleigh; her four grandchildren, who were the ultimate joy of her life: Zachary Moose, Hannah Grace Moose, Charlotte Laney, Gibson Laney; Sister-in-law Alisa (Gary) Hicks of Conover and numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends. She was the very best Nannie, never missing an athletic event, performance, awards ceremony, or concert. She was always present and cheering them on loudly with pride and love.

Susan will be remembered for her infectious laugh, sweet smile, and her willingness to do anything for anyone. She gave freely of herself, always placing others before her own needs, and greeted everyone with warmth and kindness.

A devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Newton, Susan served faithfully for many years, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and playing handbells. She also served many years as a representative for The North Carolina Association of Educators and was a member of the Hickory Tavern Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In her free time, Susan enjoyed traveling around the world, working on numerous craft projects, embroidery, sewing, and enthusiastically cheering on the UNC Tar Heels and the Tennessee Volunteers. Above all else, she cherished time spent with her family and loved every minute she was able to be with them.

Susan’s legacy lives on in the countless students she taught, the family she loved fiercely, and the many lives she touched with her generous spirit.

A service of remembrance will be held on Sunday, January 18th at 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church 300 N. Main Ave Newton, NC with the Rev. Josh Sherfey, officiating. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the SECU Family House in Chapel Hill (123 Old Mason Farm Road Chapel Hill, NC 27517 www.secufh.org ) or Carolina Caring of Catawba County (3975 Robinson Road Newton, NC 28658 www.carolinacaring.org/give ), in honor of Susan’s life and the compassionate care these organizations provided her and her family.