Linda Sue VanHoy Gaither, 79, of Olin, N.C., passed away Friday, January 21, 2022, at Iredell Memorial Hospital. Sue was born February 21, 1942, in Mecklenburg County to the late Aquila Young VanHoy and Anna Lou Gregory VanHoy. She was a 1960 graduate of Union Grove High School. Sue later graduated from Draughon’s Business School in Winston-Salem and worked in banking for a number of years. On November 10, 1962, she married James Thomas “Tommy” Gaither and still enjoyed going dancing with him. They also enjoyed traveling together and had visited 49 of the 50 states. She was a lifelong member of Union Grove United Methodist Church, where she was active in numerous ministries over the years. Sue was a talented gardener, loved to study genealogy and enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a loving and wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.
In addition to her husband Tommy, Sue is survived by sons, Mark Gaither and wife Jeanne of Olin, and Matthew Gaither of Olin; two grandchildren, Trent Gaither of Olin and Kiley Gaither of Charlotte; siblings Steve VanHoy and wife Carole of Mooresville, Kay McKnight and husband Tom of Raleigh, Joan Addis of Harmony, Albert VanHoy of Olin, Bryan VanHoy and wife Jane of Statesville, and Clint VanHoy and wife Dee of Union Grove; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a sister, Sylvia Hale; brothers-in-law, Kip Hale and Darryl Addis; and sister-in-law, Sandy VanHoy.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Union Grove United Methodist Church with Rev. Neill Shaw officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. All COVID-19 protocols are required.
Memorials may be made to Union Grove UMC, 1331 Sloans Mill Road, Union Grove, NC 28689 and online condolences may be made to the family at www.troutmanfuneralhome.com.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.
What a wonderful woman and mother… the sweetest smile… prayers for Tommy and Matthew and Mark. ❤️?
Sue was very interested in learning more about her family history. It was always a pleasure to help when I could. In studying genealogy, you always walk away with more questions than answers.
To Tommy and family: My deepest thoughts, prayers and sympathy is extended to each of you. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, but most of all by you her family whom she loved dearly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mazie and Chester Mahaffey
With our deepest sympathy to the sweet Gaither family. Sue and Tommy made us feel special whenever we got to be with them. Thankful to have known Sue.
Love and prayers to Tommy, Mark and Jeanne, Matthew and all of the family. May God give you strength for the days ahead.
Love, Sonny and Darlene Tomlin
An angel walking on this earth now walking in Heaven. Sue I don’t know if you knew how much you meant to Rhetta (Coomes), but she loved you so very much. We would laugh at your wonderful cards, and it was such an honor to get to know you. Though our hearts are heavy and saddened, we rejoice in the knowledge that you are in the presence of our Lord and one day we will be rejoicing with you too. My God hold tightly to Tommy and all the rest of the family. Remember this is not good-bye; it’s see you soon!