Shirley Sue "Susie" Stanley Rich

August 20, 1952 – October 18, 2026

Shirley Sue “Susie” Stanley Rich, 74, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Siler City, North Carolina, Susie was known for her warm heart, beautiful spirit, and personality that could light up any room. She never met a stranger and had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and loved.

In 1970, Susie married Lewis Albert Rich, beginning a 56-year marriage filled with love, family, and adventures as a military wife. Following Lewis’s retirement from the US Navy in 1991, they moved back home to NC.

Susie worked as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service, where her friendly nature made her a familiar and welcome presence along her routes.

She enjoyed reading, listening to good music, dancing, tending to her flowers, and traveling, especially taking cruises and spending time at the beach. She also had a special love for animals, particularly her beloved Chihuahuas.

Above all, Susie’s greatest joy was her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she always put her children and grandchildren before herself. Her kindness, generosity, and unconditional love will remain her greatest legacy.

Susie is survived by her husband of 56 years, Lewis Albert Rich; her four children and their spouses, Curtis Dean Rich (Pamela) of Lexington, North Carolina; Lewis Edward Rich (Rebecca) of Poquoson, Virginia; Angel Rich Wiebke (Steven) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Melody Rich Hill (Keland) of Thomasville, North Carolina. She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and her brothers, Jimmy Spivey and Wade Stanley Jr., both of High Point, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Dale Spivey, David Thomas McDonald, Judy Robbins, Presley Spivey, Douglas Stanley and one grandson David Rich.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Chandra Thrift of Thomasville, North Carolina, Susie’s devoted caregiver and best friend, for her loving support and companionship.

Friends will be received by the family on Saturday, October 24, 2026, beginning at 12:00pm at Sechrest-Davis Funerals & Cremations, 18 Randolph St., Thomasville, NC, followed by a funeral service at 1:00pm. Burial will then occur at Holly Hill Memorial Park.

Susie will be remembered for her warmth, her generous heart, and the love she gave so freely. Her beautiful spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.