Sara Evelyn "Susie" Slaydon

1933 - 2021

Sara Evelyn "Susie" Gregory Slaydon, 87, passed away Jan. 9, 2021, at Harris Methodist Hospital in Bedford, Texas, due to complications from COVID-19. A graveside funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 18, at DeLand Memorial Gardens, 600 Beresford Ave.
Mrs. Slaydon was born July 2, 1933, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, to John Vincent Gregory and Ellen Evelyn Lund.
Sara was first called "Little Evelyn." Her mother would sing "Old Susannah" while bathing the children, and her older brother, Harlund, would call her "Tootsie," which later evolved into Susie.
In 1948, Susie moved to Pulaski, Virginia, and met Russell Slaydon Jr., at a Sadie Hawkins dance. They began a 68-year relationship as best friends; their marriage in 1952 lasted for 65 years.
On June 29, 1971, the couple were sealed for "Time and All Eternity" in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.
During high school, Susie was voted the Most Original and Most Dependable in her class. She was queen of the Spring Carnival, captain of the Girls' Volleyball Team, and a National Honor Society president, and she participated in the Debate Club and Student Council.
Susie worked at Crowell & Deeds, Attorneys at Law, during high school, and excelled, as she was very detail-oriented. She graduated from Pulaski High School in 1951.
After high school, her family moved, and she stayed with friends in Pulaski and continued to date Russell.
It was here that she learned to crochet, starting a hobby that lasted the rest of her life. She was also an excellent seamstress and sewed many of her own clothes.
In 1957, Russell and Susie moved to DeLand.
Susie worked as a bookkeeper for the Florida Loan Co. and, later, for Miller & Dreggors, CPAs, until Russell and Susie purchased Sunshine Armature Works in 1972.
Susie became the full-time bookkeeper there, while also owning Sara's LDS Bookstore behind the shop for a number of years.
In 1968, Russell and Susie joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and were charter members of the West Volusia branch in Orange City. She held many ward and stake callings, including Sunday-school teacher; young women's teacher, first counselor and secretary; Relief Society president and counselor; and pianist.
Her favorite calling was being the Family History Center director. She loved genealogy and devoted much of her time to it.
Susie was a member of the Roots and Branches Genealogical Society of DeLand. She also served many years as an ordinance worker in the LDS Orlando Florida Temple.
Russell and Susie moved to Alpine, Utah, in 2011, and later to Arlington, Texas, in 2015. Susie resided in Arlington at the time of her passing.
Susie was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her son John Russell Slaydon; her great-grandson Colton Slaydon; and her brothers Harlund Gregory and Pete Gregory Sr. Surviving are her son Greg (Jane) Slaydon of DeLand; her daughter, Cathy (Jess) Walker of Arlington; her stepson, Ralph (Pat) Clark of Williamsport, Maryland; her sister, Patty (Johnny) Cowart; her brother John N. Gregory; grandchildren Johnny J. (Angela) Slaydon, Corey Slaydon, Marijane (Robert) Bischoff, Courtney Slaydon, Sara (Garrett) Hyde, Jessie B. Walker, Albree (Benson) Cluff, Russell (Chelsea) Walker and Cade Walker; and stepgrandchildren Stacey (Cody) Webster, Matt Clark and Zach (Paige) Clark. She was the proud great-grandmother to 15 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are brother-in-law James Slaydon; sisters-in-law Cherry Gregory and Carolyn Slaydon; and her very good friends, Martin and Beulah Chandler. She leaves many nieces, nephews and cousins with fond memories.
In lieu of flowers, plant a rosebush or crape myrtle in memory of Susie. Online condolences can be made at allensummerhill.com. Allen-Summerhill is in charge.