Obituary for Suzanne Elaine Deal (Stimpson)
Oct 21, 2021 Suzanne Elaine Stimpson Deal departed this life to join her parents in the heavenly choir. Born Oct 1. 1945 to Louise Betty Wilkinson Stimpson originally from Bethlehem, Pa. and the Rev Oswald E Stimpson of Winston-Salem NC, she was reared in the Moravian faith. Suzanne graduated from SW Forsyth High and earned a BS in Home Economics at UNC-Greensboro.
Suzanne's life passions were family, traditional interior design, traditional architecture, gardening and friendships. These channeled her into Historical Preservation, Master Gardner Volunteers and P.E.O. International. She began her design career in the resorts around Grandfather Mt where her husband finished college and her daughter started kindergarten at Appalachian State University. In 1976, the family celebrated the bicentennial in their first historical property in York, S.C. She began her long career at Luxury Crafts and Interiors as designer in 1978 and on moving to Gastonia began her search for the perfect house to fit her idea of family, home, hearth and gardens.
December 26, 1982, Suzanne received her first kidney transplant and in January of 1983 the family purchased the 1833 Historical Andrew Carpenter house in Riverbend Township. The home, a long restoration and labor of love became the palette to display her decorative skills and the grounds to garden. It also led her to a long involvement in Gaston County Historic Preservation and later to the Master Gardeners Group of Gaston County. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, serving a term as President.
Suzanne received her second kidney transplant in 2005 but continued her career and activities with Preservation, Master Gardeners, P.E.O. and grandchildren.
Shortly after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary November 26, 2016, she and Gerald downsized to a cottage at Covenant Village while her daughter's family moved into the home Suzanne so cherished.
Preceded in death by her parents, Suzanne is survived by her husband of almost 55 years, Gerald Wilson Deal, daughter Christina Deal Lester (William Andrew Lester), granddaughter Susannah and grandsons Will and Thomas. Two Sisters, Cheryl Stanley (Ronald) of Boone, NC and Melle Lee Warren (Charles) of Osprey, Fl. Also sister-in-law Wilma Deal Hunter of Pfafftown, NC and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Suzanne's life will be held at a later date. Memorials to Suzanne may be made to P.E.O. Chapter K, at 2936 Grampian Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054, Covenant Village, Inc., The National Kidney Foundation or Carolina Caring of Newton, NC. We want to thank Metrolina Nephrology and the Organ Donor organization for 40 years of healthcare that facilitated such a wonderful life as well as the staff of Covenant Village and Carolina Caring for their Hospice service.
Suzanne's life passions were family, traditional interior design, traditional architecture, gardening and friendships. These channeled her into Historical Preservation, Master Gardner Volunteers and P.E.O. International. She began her design career in the resorts around Grandfather Mt where her husband finished college and her daughter started kindergarten at Appalachian State University. In 1976, the family celebrated the bicentennial in their first historical property in York, S.C. She began her long career at Luxury Crafts and Interiors as designer in 1978 and on moving to Gastonia began her search for the perfect house to fit her idea of family, home, hearth and gardens.
December 26, 1982, Suzanne received her first kidney transplant and in January of 1983 the family purchased the 1833 Historical Andrew Carpenter house in Riverbend Township. The home, a long restoration and labor of love became the palette to display her decorative skills and the grounds to garden. It also led her to a long involvement in Gaston County Historic Preservation and later to the Master Gardeners Group of Gaston County. She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, serving a term as President.
Suzanne received her second kidney transplant in 2005 but continued her career and activities with Preservation, Master Gardeners, P.E.O. and grandchildren.
Shortly after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary November 26, 2016, she and Gerald downsized to a cottage at Covenant Village while her daughter's family moved into the home Suzanne so cherished.
Preceded in death by her parents, Suzanne is survived by her husband of almost 55 years, Gerald Wilson Deal, daughter Christina Deal Lester (William Andrew Lester), granddaughter Susannah and grandsons Will and Thomas. Two Sisters, Cheryl Stanley (Ronald) of Boone, NC and Melle Lee Warren (Charles) of Osprey, Fl. Also sister-in-law Wilma Deal Hunter of Pfafftown, NC and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Suzanne's life will be held at a later date. Memorials to Suzanne may be made to P.E.O. Chapter K, at 2936 Grampian Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054, Covenant Village, Inc., The National Kidney Foundation or Carolina Caring of Newton, NC. We want to thank Metrolina Nephrology and the Organ Donor organization for 40 years of healthcare that facilitated such a wonderful life as well as the staff of Covenant Village and Carolina Caring for their Hospice service.