Sue McKinnon Priest

Sue McKinnon Priest died on Monday, March 20, 2023.

Born in Cumberland County on January 11, 1936, the daughter of the late Earl Dallas McKinnon and Gertrude Wood McKinnon.

She graduated from Hope Mills High School and attended Flora MacDonald College in Red Springs, NC.  She graduated from the University of Pembroke.  She taught school in Cumberland County.

Sue was an active member of Highland Presbyterian Church where she served on many committees.  She was a member of the Leighton McKeithan Sunday School Class and Circle Chairman of Highland for many years.  She was given Life membership by the Presbyterian Women.

She served on the Board of Weymouth and Hospitality Committee in Southern Pines for ten years.  A former member of the Hope Mills Beautification Board.  She served on the Board for Friends of the Hope Mills Library.  She was a member of the Friends of the Library in Fayetteville and Pinehurst.  She served on the Board of Christian Women’s Club of Fayetteville and Pinehurst.  She served on the Board of Directors for the Fayetteville Symphony for ten years.  She also served on the Moore County Board of Directors for the NC Symphony as Hospitality Chairman.  She was a member of the Pinehurst Members Club.

Sue enjoyed cooking, reading, walking, hosting, and traveling.  She is known for her sense of humor, hospitality, and caring attitude.  She was a member of the Citizens for International Understanding and made many lasting friendships abroad.  She was a member of Carolina Garden Club.

Sue has maintained her mountain home in Fleetwood, NC for 38 years and enjoyed biking, hiking, gardening, and traveling.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Lawrence Milton Priest (Larry) and granddaughter Jessica Carol Marshall.

She is survived by her son, Lawrence Michael Priest (Sheila Ezzelle) of Fayetteville; daughter, Barbara Priest Rossway (Neil) of Crestview, FL; grandchildren, Michael Brooks Priest of Hamilton, NJ, Davis McKinnon Priest of Clayton, Rebecca Lawrence Priest of Clayton, Juliana Marshall Sargent (Jared) of Clayton, great grandchildren, McKinley and Avery Sargent of Clayton; sister, Patsy McKinnon Thames of Fayetteville; and her extended family.

A memorial service will be held at Highland Presbyterian church, Fayetteville, NC, at 11am, on Thursday, March 23, 2023. A private burial will take place at Hope Mills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Highland Presbyterian Church, 111 Highland Avenue, Fayetteville, NC 28305 or to the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.

Services are entrusted to Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service & Crematory.