Susan Lawrence Googe

Susan Lawrence Googe passed away peacefully on March 27, 2021, at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, surrounded by family and friends.  She was born June 29, 1954, in Davidson County, NC, to the late Roger and Kit Scott Lawrence.  The youngest of three children, she idolized her sister Barbara Lawrence and brother Edward Lawrence.  Susan married the love of her life, Steve Googe, and they were married 43 years, residing in Northern Davidson County.  She was quick to tell that her greatest achievement was being mother to her two sons, Jordan Googe and Bill Googe.

Susan graduated from North Davidson High School.  She earned her Fashion Merchandising Degree at Kings College in Charlotte and was honored to return two years later as the graduation speaker.  Following graduation, her tremendous sense of style led her to work at Montaldo’s.

Susan was Miss Thomasville 1975.  She went on to compete at the state level, winning double preliminary competitions and the title of Miss North Carolina.  Susan would represent Thomasville and North Carolina well, earning the honor of first runner-up at that year’s Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City.  As Miss North Carolina, Susan traveled to multiple states making more than 260 appearances.  She was the on-air spokesperson for Brendle’s for several years and served as emcee for fashion shows, pageants, and events.  She judged many Miss America local preliminaries and state pageants, including Texas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Tennessee.

Susan was as beautiful on the inside as the outside and knew both were God-given.  She was an active member of Midway United Methodist Church, participating in the youth and adult choirs, serving as Family Life Chair for 6 years, and chairing the 150-year celebration of the church. Later, as the family joined Pinedale Christian Church, she sang in the choir, provided support for church-wide fellowship dinners, and developed great friendships while loving the Lord.

She was a member of High Meadows Golf & Country Club, loving each minute she was able to spend there.  Although not a golfer, she was a member of the LGA and served on a number of committees.  Her talent for decorating enhanced many club events over the years.  She developed deep friendships in those mountains that stayed with her until her passing.

Her civic commitments included the United Way, Davidson County Arts Council and March of Dimes.  Susan was a member of The Piedmont Triad Leadership Network Class of 1997. She chaired the first Piedmont Triad Partnership (PTP) Long Range Plan; served as Chair of the PTP Foundation from 2000-2003 and served on the Davidson County Community College Foundation Board of Directors from 1996-2002. She was chosen to attend The United States Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania as civilian community leader. Susan traveled extensively with her husband while working in the family business; she traveled to more than 24 countries in Europe, South America, the Middle East and Asia, representing North Carolina, recruiting industry for Davidson County and the State of North Carolina.

In accordance with Susan's wishes, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in her memory to Pinedale Christian Church, American Cancer Society or the charity of one’s choice.

A service celebrating Susan’s life will be held on Friday, 1:30 p.m., April 9, 2021, at Pinedale Christian Church in Winston-Salem by Matthew Sink, Senior Minister and Bill McKenzie, Associate Minister.