Sue Brendle Sams

Sue Brendle "Suzzy" Sams, 69, of Candler, died December 30, 2018 at Mission Hospital, after a long and courageous struggle with many health issues. She was born June 3, 1949 in Jackson County, NC to the late CB Brendle and Hazel Brendle Parker. She and her sister Joyce became foster daughters to their aunt Beulah Downes, who was Mama to them from childhood. She was a 1967 graduate of Enka High School and never stopped studies at UNC-Asheville. She received several degrees including a Master of Liberal Arts, Class of 1995. She and her husband traveled extensively as long as her health permitted. She worked in Visual Media Resources at UNCA until her death. She previously worked at BASF as did her husband, and at Girmes. In addition to her parents, Suzzy was preceded in death by her husband, James D. Sams, Jr.; "Mama" Beulah Downes; and sister and brother, Myrtle Wofford of Wetumpka, AL and CB Brendle, Jr. of Gadston, AL. She is survived by her sister, Joyce Meadows (Mike) of Greeneville, TN, brother, Deryl Brendle (Patricia) of Houlka, MS, and sister, Pauline Terrell (Phil) of Franklin, NC; lifelong friend, Tom Stranberg of Candler, NC; godson, Aaron Stranberg (Teresa) of St. Thomas, USVI; brother-in-law, Johnny Sams of Candler, NC; special friends and caregivers, Sheri Barker and Bill Rhodes; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at the Cathedral of All Souls in Asheville, NC, where she was a faithful member. The Very Reverend Todd Donatelli will conduct the service. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at New Morgan Hill Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Cathedral of All Souls Building Fund, 9 Swan St., Asheville, NC 28803. Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.