Helen “Suzanne” Phillips Earp fell asleep in the Lord on July 23rd, 2026. Born on July 10th, 1946 in Lenoir, NC, she was a devoted servant of Christ and a beloved wife, sister, mom, and the very best Maw-maw.

Suzanne graduated from Gamewell-Collettsville High School then continued to Lenoir Rhyne University to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics. She went on to have a fulfilling career as a math teacher returning to serve the Collettsville community. Beyond her professional life, Suzanne pursued her calling to serve the Lord. She was passionate in serving through her local church, Central Advent Christian Church, and through her mission work with the development of “Camp Sonshine” to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to inner city Memphis kids.

Suzanne is survived by her husband Kermit “Steve” Earp, her sister Libby Harren (Michael Harren), her daughter Heidi Earp (Tracy Richardson) and son Jeremy Earp (Laura Earp). Suzanne also loved her granddaughters Emilee Aldaco (Ismael Aldaco), Abbey Magee (William Magee), and Magaret Earp. And her absolute joys were her great-grandchildren Rylee Aldaco and Luke Aldaco. Suzanne was predeceased by her parents Margaret Phillips and Edwin Phillips, her fi rst husband William Gragg, her daughter Tisha Jill Gragg, and her daughter-in-law Denika Earp.

A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, July 27th, 2026 at 2pm at Central Advent Christian Church, located at 104 Willow Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. A receiving will take place prior to the service starting at 1pm. Interment will follow at Rocky Springs Cemetery at Rocky Springs Baptist Church in Collettsville, NC. In lieu of fl owers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in honor of Suzanne to Central Advent Christian Church or Amorem (Hospice).

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.