Mary Sue Dillard Dempsey

Mary Sue Dillard Dempsey, age 96, of Saint Simons Island, GA passed away on January 2, 2024, following many years of declining health. She was an amazing lady and continued to meet each day with a keen sense of humor and grateful heart despite her health challenges. Her life was a wonderful example of true grit, faith and grace.
Sue Dempsey was born on August 2, 1927, in Clarke County, GA to Pauline and Edgar Dillard. She was educated in the Commerce Public schools and Southern Business University in Atlanta, GA. She worked at Employers Liability Assurance Corp., Ohio State University and Commercial Bank and Trust Co. in Griffin, GA. It was while working for UGA, Agronomy Department, that Sue met the love of her life. A graduate student, Alvin Hugh Dempsey, from Watkinsville GA came into her office in uniform and that was the start of a great love story. On March 20, 1948, they were married in Athens, GA and moved to Columbus, Ohio for Hugh's doctoral program. After Hugh completed his program they moved to Griffin, GA and remained happily "Sue and Hugh" until his death.
She was a member of Griffin First United Methodist Church since 1948, where she taught Sunday school in the primary department for 15 years. Sue served on the Chapel Building Committee and Sanctuary Renovation Committee, on the Board of Stewards, and the Altar and Memorial Committee. She as a charter member and past President of the Joy Sunday School Class. She was active in the PTA, a Brownie Scout Leader, a former member of the Utility Club and a volunteer in the Reach to Recovery program of the American Cancer Society.
Sue Dempsey demonstrated her Christian faith by serving others. For her, love was a verb. Sue was constantly taking home cooked meals to people in her church or the community. She was thoughtful and organized, remembering special occasions for her friends and family with a card and note of love. She was a wonderful wife, mother, cook, seamstress, and homemaker. No one in the world could make a better German Chocolate or pound cake! She often wore an apron when cooking, lipstick and Estee Lauder Perfume. She also could wear an old pair of pants and get her hands dirty gardening.
Perhaps the best lessons she taught were to be kind, to serve others with thoughtfulness, to live within your means, and to demonstrate true love between husband and wife. She put the needs and wants of her children above her own and made many sacrifices for their happiness. Sue and Hugh were both "middle children". which she attributed to their immediate bond of love and understanding. After living over 40 years without Hugh, they are now back together and celebrating.
She is survived by her daughters, Polly Dempsey Cloud (Tom) of St. Simons Island, GA and Dorothy Dempsey Hurley (Bob) Elkin, NC; grandchildren; Thomas G. Cloud, Jr. (Myra), Katherine Cloud, Jake Turrentine (Laura), Joseph Turrentine (Alex), Mary Ann Turrentine and Polly Jean Awe (Travis). She was also blessed to know 9 great grandchildren.
The family has appreciated the visits, cards, flowers, and love Sue received throughout the years. Sue spent the last 10 years of her life at Marsh's Edge. The family will be forever grateful to the staff for all the love and kindness shown to her during her days there.
Graveside funeral services will be conducted Friday, January 5, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Oak Hill Cemetery in Griffin, GA.
A reception will follow at the First United Methodist Church in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to: Alzheimer's Association PO Box 20226, St Simons Island, GA. 31522.
For online condolences please visit www.haistenmcculloughfuneralhome.com.
Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Road, Griffin is in charge of arrangements.