Sue Adkins, better known as “Mom” and “Grammy,” was born October 13, 1938 in Huntington, West Virginia. She is survived by her only child, Pamela (Small) Eyring, son-in-law, Kurt Eyring, granddaughter, Alexa Eyring and nephew, Petty Officer First Class (ret) Roger Evers, USN. She was predeceased by her grandson, Jacob Eyring, her parents, several siblings, and nephew Lt. Col. Michael Phillips, USAF.
She would tell stories about frog gigging, playing in creeks and her love for her birth state at a young age. After moving to Elyria, Ohio, her fondest memory was sneaking into the original Cleveland Browns Stadium with her older brothers and watching the Browns play football. Coming from an Appalachian family of 13 brothers and sisters, life for her was tough. Eventually, she moved to Dayton, Ohio, where she married and raised her daughter, Pamela and then cared for her grandchildren, Jacob, and Alexa, whom she adored.
When her son-in-law, Kurt, accepted a job opportunity in Columbia, SC, the summer of 2006, she was convinced to move there from Dayton to be close to her family. She enjoyed preparing picnics for her grandchildren, swimming with them in Lake Murray, attending their school events and being there for them whenever they needed extra love. Her life revolved around her grandchildren and her daughter. She loved to feel needed and would give her time to her family, her friends, and neighbors always thinking of them first.
For those who were fortunate to have met her (and taste her delicious cooking), you would immediately feel her kindness and thoughtfulness. She enjoyed showing the highest hospitality to those who visited her. Sue was also a spunky, 5’2” woman, who was very protective of her family and ready for battle if the need called for it. She would always tell you exactly what’s on her mind and was a bit unfiltered like her favorite cartoon character, MAXINE. She may have accidently taught her grandchildren a cuss word or two! Sue loved the music of the 1950’s and was the ultimate Jitter Bug dancer with her best friend, Geraldine (Jeri) Patenaude.
Besides spending time with her grandchildren, Sue was an active and longtime member of the Browns Backers of Greater Dayton (since 1986), never missing a football game when they played. Every year she would remain confident she would get to see them go to the Superbowl. When the Browns were not playing, you would often find her watching Duke Football, Duke Basketball, or the Cleveland Cavaliers. She would always be happy to talk your ear off about her favorite players like Lebron James or Baker Mayfield!
After battling many medical ailments, Sue spent her final days in the comfort of her own home. Her daughter and granddaughter were with her at her bedside when the Lord called for her on July 31st, 2020.
Her family is grateful to her family doctor, Dr. William Fravel (with whom she loved to share a joke); her Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Terry Norton; her Cardiologist, Dr. Robert Leonardi; Pulmonologist, Dr. Richard Monk; and Lexington Medical Center, for all their dedicated and expert care. Special thank you to her nurse, Ms. Lee Thompson from Amedisys Hospice and her wonderful friends and neighbors who loved her.
There will not be a formal memorial service, but friends and family are invited to leave condolences at www.dunbarfunerals.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to SC National Alliance for Mental Illness or SC Sharing Hope Organ and Tissue Recovery Service in her grandson’s name, Jacob Eyring.
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