Susan Williams Kenley

Susan Williams Kenley, 76 went home to Jesus on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.  Susan was a daughter, wife, mama, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend and Nan to many.  

Susan was born in Brunswick, GA to the late James & Margaret Williams.  They moved to Charlotte in 1955.   A 1962 graduate of West Mecklenburg High School where she played volleyball, basketball and was on the state championship softball team.   During her middle and high school years, she formed lifelong true sisterhood friendships.  In February 1965 she married Ronald.

Over the years Susan worked at Sears, Mill Power, and Sanders Brothers, Inc before her and Ronald started a family run trucking company, AJ&J, Inc.   She went to work at Tuckaseegee Elementary and retired from River Oaks Elementary where she was dedicated and loved.   

Susan has been a faithful member of Paw Creek Presbyterian Church since she was 12 years old.  She served as an elder, circle chair, kept the nursery during Sunday School for over 40 years and was the pastor’s aide where she lovingly sent cards for 20 years.   She was instrumental in the beginning of the Backpack Buddy program with Paw Creek and River Oaks.    In 2008 she received the Presbyterian Women Honorary Lifetime Membership Award and was recently humbled and honored to receive the Presbytery of Charlotte Legacy Award.   She loved, trusted and put her hope in the Lord.    

She cherished her family and was a loyal, loving friend, but her greatest joy by far came from being a Nan.  She loved her “grands” and attended every event they were involved in regardless of where she had to go to see them.  Absolutely nothing in the world made her happier than spending time with her grandchildren.  Each one has many cherished memories of their time together. After finding out she was going to be a great-grandmother not once, but twice in 2020 she prayed that she would get to meet them.  We are so thankful her prayers were answered in the birth of her two “great grands”, Kenley and Jax.  

Sunday’s were for family night dinners where she always loved being together.  Her home was always open and everyone was lovingly welcome.  She loved the beach and especially loved the annual Kenley family beach week where she wanted everyone there to love, laugh, play games, eat and just be together.    

She had a giving heart and was an active member of the community always willing to do anything to help others, especially children in need.  Susan was always thoughtful, compassionate, loving & kind and will forever be missed.   

Susan was preceded in death by her husband Ronald Kenley of 50 years.  She is survived by her children Amy McGee, Jon & Ashley Kenley, Jason “Rudy” & Kelsey Kenley, her grands Nick & Kelly McGee, Sarah & Colton Hansley, Morgan & Jordan Miller, Emily Kenley, Grace Kenley, Katelyn Kenley, and Price Kenley, her great grands Kenley McGee and Jax Hansley and sister Pat Christenbury.

We were blessed beyond measure by the many friendships that we consider our family that have stood with us in the valleys and on the mountaintops.  We especially want to thank her sisters Dianne McClure, Terry Kelly, Linda Sadler, Hazel Sanders and Elizabeth Puckett.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a smaller private gathering will be held to celebrate her sweet, precious life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Backpack Buddies c/o Paw Creek Presbyterian Church PO Box 64 Paw Creek, NC  28130.  Jeffrey S Painter Funeral Director is serving the family.

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