Sue Purvis Speir
March 20, 1936 ~ October 21, 2024
Born in:
Gainesville, Georgia
Resided in:
Stone Mountain, Georgia
Sue Purvis Speir, 88, passed away on October 21, 2024, at her home of Park Springs, in Stone Mountain. Born on March 20, 1936, to Harry and Frances Purvis, she grew up with her four sisters in Chicopee Village and Cornelia, Georgia, where she graduated from high school.
Sue studied piano performance at Florida State University, graduated from Emory University with a degree in education, and taught third grade in Decatur, Georgia. Sue met her future husband, Edwin G. Speir, Jr., on a blind date set up by their fathers, both managers of textile mills.
In 1959, Sue and Ed embarked on a 55-year journey together. Two years later, they moved to Denver, Colorado, where Sue earned a Master’s in Education from Denver University, Ed completed his doctorate, and they welcomed their first two daughters, Sarah and Jennifer. In 1965, the family relocated to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where Ed worked as a Director with the Peace Corps, and the family forged lifelong friendships.
They returned to the U.S. to Asheville, North Carolina, where Ed joined the faculty at UNC-Asheville, and their third daughter, Lynn, was born. Over the years, the family lived in the communities of Coker College in South Carolina, UW-Whitewater in Wisconsin, and Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville, Georgia, where Ed became President in 1981. Sue and Ed shared their love for the arts, sports, and cross-cultural exchange with their daughters, actively engaging on campus in these, even in their retirement years in Athens, Georgia.
In every hometown, Sue taught piano to devoted students, accompanied community theater productions and music department recitals, and performed duo piano recitals with fellow musicians. As the president’s spouse, Sue hosted numerous town-and-gown events, championing local arts and educational programs. Sue traveled extensively with Ed, independently with educational travel groups, and alongside her daughters. International students, whom she warmly welcomed into their home during vacations, called her “Mama Sue,” a name her grandchildren affectionately used as well. Sue will be deeply missed for her warm, disarming presence, her gift for instilling confidence, and the joy she shared with her earnest charm and quick wit.
Sue loved and was adored by her husband, children, grandchildren, and Speir and Purvis families. She is survived by sisters Peggy Purvis Eash and Franny Purvis Robinson, children Sarah, Jennifer, and Lynn Speir; and grandchildren Adrian and Simran Speir Sethi, and Evan and Markus Hearn, and loving nephews and nieces. Sue is preceded in death by her parents, husband Edwin, and her sisters Jean Purvis Ward and Ann Purvis Church.
There will be a celebration of life service, date forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to the Arbor Day Foundation, https://www.arborday.org/, in honor of Sue’s lifelong care for natural environments and conservation.
Lynn, so very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Reading her story I see she, as well as your father, were quite accomplished. I know you and your family will miss her. Praying those memories bring you & your family comfort as well as joy during this time.
What a wonderful tribute for sweet Mama Sue. I’ll always remember her sweet nature and kindness. My sincere condolences. May all your cherished memories comfort you during this time.
Alan and I are saddened to learn of Sue’s passing. We have many fond memories of both Ed and Sue during their years in Milledgeville. Sending hugs and love to all.
I am really heartbroken to hear of Sue’s death. She was a wonderful friend, a fine wife to the college president, and a generous soul. I send my love to her three daughters and their families.
So sorry to hear about Mama Sue, and what a good and full life she lived. I hope the many wonderful memories of her will sustain and uplift your family in the current moments and beyond.
Our lives have been blessed by Sue and Ed. Sue’s enthusiasm for continuous learning has been as constant inspiration for me. I remember her telling me about learning to play Appalachian instruments at camp in Asheville, while on our way to the Piccolo festival in Charleston to listen to classical music . I have always been amazed! To her credit, she also introduced me to overnight oats, blueberry pancakes and was the consummate hostess wherever I visited: Banner Elk, Milledgeville, Athens, or Stone Mountain. Sue-your actions and grace continue to be felt and appreciated more than you know…or maybe now you do. Thank you.
Evelyn Swanson
So very sorry to hear about Sue! I took a picture of a group of us from Glenwood having breakfast. We all have that picture to remind us of each other! The group still meets, but down to 4 of us. I am living at Presbyterian Village here in Athens but remember Ed and Sue as my close neighbors.
Mama Sue, Ed and Lynn welcomed me to their home in 85/86. I could’ve never wished for a warmer welcome. A life changer it ended up being. Pancakes, oven dishes, thank you for letting me being part of your life Sue. RIP
I first met Sue when she lived down the hall from me in the freshman dorm at Emory University. After college I did not see Sue again until we met in the library at Banner Elk, North Carolina some 30 years later. It was a surprise for both of us. A few years ago we both moved to Park Springs retirement community, and for a time again lived down the hall from each other. It was a joy to spend time with sweet Sue, and to get to know her three delightful daughters. I will miss Sue, her sweet smile, and gentle demeanor.
My husband and I enjoyed your mother and father’s hospitality with overnight stays in the Lumpkin 4 poster bed in their quarters in the Old Governor’s Mansion many years ago. My husband was on the board and we were stationed at Robins AFB, then retired to Dunwoody. They were always great hosts and much fun….we even took a picture with your dad and me in the bed!! I also stole the equitable method which your mom and her sisters used to divy up their parents’ belongings after they died…my sister and I followed suit….no husbands allowed in the process. I had lost track of them in recent years, but often thought about them both and saw this notice today. Please know you all have my sympathy ….Susan and Ed were delightful, intelligent and gracious in every way.
I was in her third grade class at Briar Vista Elementary School and she was an inspiration to me. She was so kind and actually got me a cherished sports autograph that I kept all my life. I am so sorry for your loss and want you to know what an incredible influence she was.
I am sorry to hear about the loss of Mrs. Sue Purvis Speir. I will keep the family in my prayers.