Born on March 7, 1956, in Atlanta, Georgia, Susan was the daughter of Algie (“Al”) R. Duke, Jr. and Annie (“Ann”) U. Duke and was the oldest of three sisters. She attended Danville Community College and Virginia Tech, where she graduated with honors in 1979 with a degree in Accounting.
She began her career with Burlington Industries, Inc. (where she met her future husband Bob) and later worked in accounting and finance functions with Boise Cascade, Premier Quilting, West Point Stevens, and High Point Chemical Company prior to taking a break from work.
A highlight of her family’s history occurred during this break period where she and Bob adopted their daughter Emily, who was born in 1993 in San Antonio Texas. She then started her cherished duty of being a full-time Mom.
After Emily started school, Susan joined the Business Manger staff at Covenant Church United Methodist, where she and Bob were members. She served as Bookkeeper for a number of years. At Covenant, she also was a dedicated member of the chancel and handbell choirs and led the Cherub choir for several years.
She was a devoted member and local chapter officer of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization dedicated to the motivation, education, and celebration of women.
Susan was preceded in death by her Father Al, Father-in-Law (Bobby G. Garren), and Mother-in-Law (Margaret M. Garren). Susan is survived by her husband Bob, daughter Emily, mother Ann, sisters Patricia and Rebecca (Andy), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Susan was a loving friend to many and she treasured those relationships. She was a lover of music, reading, gardening, and her dinner club, and she was a doting mother to 13 incredibly lucky cats during her lifetime.
Memorial contributions may be made in Susan’s memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Guilford College United Methodist Church at 1205 Fleming Road in Greensboro, NC on Friday January 10, 2025, at 2:00pm. Visitation and a reception will be held in the Church Fellowship Hall immediately following the service.
Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Garren Family with arrangements. Fond memories and other expressions may be shared by visiting www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
