Susie Myrtle Moore Hillery, age 93, transitioned to eternal life on November 1, 2021.

She was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia on February 25, 1928 and was the daughter of the late William Edward Moore and Myrtle Anderson Moore. She was the loving and devoted mother of Nathan Herbert Hillery (Karen Feldman) and the late Vincent Edward Hillery (Marianne Grabowski). Spending time with her granddaughters Alina, Melania, Luiza, Francesca, and Isabelle was one of the greatest joys of her life. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who knew her affectionately as “Aunt Noonie” and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Julius Moore, Dennis Moore, Sarah Agnes Callis, Shirley Anderson, and Jean Moore. 

Susie was the first woman in her family to attend college and received a B.A. from Lynchburg College and a M.A. from the University of Kentucky. She also attended Lexington Seminary, the University of Virginia, and the University of Texas. Her desire to educate and help others was evident in her careers as a teacher and a minister. As a teacher, she taught grades K-7 in Henrico County as well as other areas of Virginia and Austin, Texas. She was named an Outstanding Teacher in America in 1972. As a minister, she served congregations in Hawaii, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. 

Susie was an avid volunteer throughout her life. After her retirement she served many organizations in the Richmond area. She was a chaplain and an emergency room comforter at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital and volunteered at several other organizations including the Children’s Hospital, Henrico County Jail, Westport Convalescent Center, Manorhouse Assisted Living and Memory Care, and Westminster Canterbury Retirement Community. She was also an active member of Seventh Street Christian Church and enjoyed spending time with her church family, book club, and walking group.

She was an enthusiastic traveller and had some wonderful adventures with Vincent and Nathan. She was proud to have visited all 50 states and 36 countries. Her travels often included giving back to others. She evaluated a school in Bangalore, India and helped to build a nursery school in Nairobi, Kenya.

Family and friends will remember Susie’s kind smile, gentle wave, and grateful heart. Please continue her  legacy of giving to others by volunteering in your community if you are able. 
 

In Lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Susie Moore Hillery Scholarship fund at Lynchburg University.
 

The family will receive friends Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021 at the Clarke Funeral Home, 110 E. 5th Avenue, Kenbridge Virginia from 1:30PM until start of services at 2:30 PM.  Interment to follow at Perseverance Christian Church, 3027 Gigg Rd, Dundas, VA.