Sue Anders Gravlee

Sue Anders Gravlee left on her journey to heaven on January 8, 2020. She is preceded in passing by her husband Hubbard Walter Gravlee. Sue leaves behind her three children, Teresa Ann Gravlee, Hubbard Vann Gravlee (Reneè) and Cynthia “Cindy” Sue Gravlee Bonds (Brian). Her grandchildren, who knew her as "Nanny" are Jennifer White Tsantes (Bill), Nowell Thomas White (Ashley), Ashley Ann Gravlee Trawick (John), Hubbard Ryan Gravlee (Tiffany), Jimmy Austin Gravlee, Shealyn Rachel Bonds, Brianna Lynnette Bonds, Tina Stinkorb, Keith Byram, and Ashley Glaze Jones, as well as her great grandchildren, Aristotle Fotios Tsantes, Vasileah Jane Tsantes, Killian Adams White, Cooper Thomas White, Terra Ann Kelley, Zackery Walter Pitts, Wesley Anders Trawick, Charlotte Faith Gravlee, Alex Sandlin, Drew Brannon, Keith Byram, Skylar Stirnkorb, Layla Jones, and Emerson Jones.

Sue was born June 3, 1930, the youngest of 6 children of John Walter and Esther Minter Anders. She grew up in Inglenook and lived there until moving to Gardendale in 1958. Her passing ends the story of that family’s generation.

She volunteered with the American Junior Red Cross 1944 and American National Red Cross 1945 during WW2 and was active in other organizations.

When Sue was 15 years old, she began playing as a substitute pianist for Inglenook First Methodist Church. The church installed a pipe organ when she was 16 and was given the chance to self-teach herself how to play it. Sue played the organ and piano for the church until moving to Gardendale where soon after, she began playing the piano for Gardendale United Methodist Church. Sue was very active in the church most of her life.

Sue always wanted to play the pipe organ (The Mighty Wurlitzer) at the Alabama Theater where she saw her first movie, Snow White. As a Christmas gift, the family made that dream come true for her. No other gift could have made her happier.

Sue was always crafting. She loved making things and then giving them to family and friends. She made quilts for every family member in her lifetime and then with the help of Teresa in the later years . Samples of her craft work is on display today for you to see.

Sue was a strong fighter overcoming and surviving breast cancer for 33 years. She will tell you quickly that God healed her cancer and “sick” heart through prayer, which allowed her to live to a wonderful old age.

Sue asked in lieu of flowers to please donate to Gardendale Mt Vernon United Methodist Church organ fund, Gardendale Fire & Rescue or thecreels.org missions (David Creel)

A celebration of life visitation for Sue will be held Monday, January 13, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071. A celebration of life service will occur Monday, January 13, 2020 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071. A burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Gardens, 2100 Moncrief Road, Gardendale, Alabama 35071.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Gravlee family.