Sue Campbell Obituary

After an extended illness, Sue passed over at her home, February 17, 2025.
Sue was born June 7, 1938, in Lafayette, Indiana, to the late Gareth "Pete" Bussell and Martha Jane Bolt Bussell.
She is survived by her partner, Ron Sweet; children, Gary Rich, Kathy Rich Hren, Byron Campbell, Nathan Campbell, Robin (Jessie) Campbell Quinones; grandchildren, Hunter and Rebecca Rich, Brenna, Ethan and Ashlan Hren, and Amber (David) Hansen and Kayla Higgins; great-grandchildren, Chloe' Lundberg and Selah Hansen, Dawson and Tate Higgins; brother, Jerry (Valerie) Bussell, and their extended family.
She was preceded in death by her youngest daughter, Haley Sue Rich.
Sue graduated from the first nursing program at the University of Florida. During her college years, she was "Student Nurse of the Year." tapped for Mortar Board, and chosen as a cheerleader for two years, which led to being an avid lifetime Gator fan.
Fresh out of college, Sue worked on a psychiatric ward and ahead of Hurricane Dora in 1964, she directed the set-up and operation of a hurricane shelter at a Florida high school.
In 1972, the family moved to Blue Ridge for husband Dan to establish a tennis teaching facility for kids. Due to significant changes in the Tennessee Chemical Company, plans changed to start with an "open to all" Blue Ridge Tennis Club.
Sue hired on as part-time nurse at Fannin Regional Hospital, then on to Blue Ridge Nursing Home as Director of Nursing. Sue was the nurse who first organized the home health program, under the regional health department, sponsored by the state health department for Fannin and Gilmer counties.
Eventually Sue was promoted to the Director of Nurses for NW Home Health, Fannin and Gilmer Home Health Delivery Services, Nursing Director of five county agencies.
In the late 80's and on, Sue enjoyed "antiquing" and was often called the "Button Lady" because of her booth at the local fall harvest sale.
Sue appreciated real satisfaction in community-supporting roles: as a volunteer, she was instrumental in setting up and assisting operation of a 24/7, suicide prevention center; many years later Sue opened up 10 years of night classes at Fannin High School for mother/baby education and guidance; and Sue was one of those who initiated the local "Feed Fannin" group, volunteering for 11 years.
Sue loved organic gardening, created herb walk trails in her woods, had over 25 trips west to visit kids and grandkids (mostly very adventuresome driving trips, which she loved to describe!), and attended Tri-State Community College near Murphy, North Carolina, studying Cherokee history and medicinal herbs and stories under Chief Hawk Little John. This led to running a teepee retreat for a summer and certification as holistic nurse from American Association of Holistic Nurses '91-'95.
Sue was full of life, vigor, independence, bright eyes and a beautiful smile. She will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life gathering is set for 1 p.m., April 19, 2025, at the Pavilion, United Community Bank, Blue Ridge. Heartfelt appreciation goes out to all the wonderful people at Pruitt Hospice.