Sara Evelyn "Suzie" Slaydon

1933 - 2021

Sara Evelyn (Suzie)Gregory Slaydon

Arlington, TX - Sara (Susie) Evelyn Gregory Slaydon passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at Harris Methodist Hospital in Bedford, TX, due to complications from COVID-19. She was born July 2, 1933, in Altoona, PA, 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, VA, and met Russell Slaydon, Jr., at a Sadie-Hawkins dance. There began a 68-year relationship as best friends, and their marriage in 1952 lasted for 65 years. On June 29, 1971, they 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, National Honor Society President, and 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 while 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, FL. Susie worked as a bookkeeper for Florida Loan Company and later 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, UT, in 2011 and later to Arlington, TX, in 2015. Susie resided in Arlington, TX, at the time of her passing. She was predeceased 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, Arlington, TX; her step-son Ralph (Pat) Clark, Williamsport, MD; 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 step-grandchildren Stacey (Cody) Webster; Matt Clark; and Zach (Paige) Clark. She is the proud great-grandmother to fifteen 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. A graveside funeral service will be held at DeLand Memorial Gardens at 600 Beresford Ave, DeLand, FL, on Monday, January 18, 2021, at 11:00 am. In Lieu of flowers - plant a rose bush or crepe myrtle in memory of Susie. Online condolences can be made at https://allensummerhill.com.