Nona Sue King McCullough, 85, of Hendersonville, NC went home to the arms of her Lord and Savior Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
Born November 28, 1938 in Henderson County, she was the daughter of the late Fred B. King, Sr. and Eunice Wright King of Hendersonville, NC.
Nona Sue married James C. (Buddy) McCullough May 4, 1956. They built a wonderful life and shared 65 years together until his passing on August 6, 2016. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Suprina McCullough Stepp, and son-in-law Norman C. Stepp; as well as her son-in-law, Steven C. Ward, the late husband of her surviving daughter, Cindy Ward. She always affectionately said that her sons-in-law “didn’t grow in under her heart, but into her heart,” bringing them into the family as her own. Nona Sue is also preceded in death by a brother, F. Beryl King, Jr. and a sister, Sarah Erwin.
She attended Dana School, and spent many of her working years as a seamstress for Ruth of Carolina and as a sales associate for Way to Go Map Supply, alongside her husband, Buddy, as her partner in sales. She spoke fondly of the years that they spent out in field and the fun they had working together after Buddy’s retirement from GE. In earlier years she served as a substitute teacher at Valley Hill School, and later taught upholstery classes at Blue Ridge Community College. She even ran her own business for a time, Susie’s Sign Shop, where she enjoyed making signs for local residents and businesses.
Nona Sue was passionate about civic service and was actively involved with Valley Hill Fire and Rescue Auxiliary and Shaws Creek Baptist Church for many years. As a testament to her dedication to helping her community, she was known to accompany her first responder husband to emergency calls and go door to door through neighborhoods requesting donations and supplies as an immediate aid response for families in need. She spent time as a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader during her daughters’ younger years, but her love for mentoring children and making a positive impact on their lives endured throughout her life.
She was affectionately known to locals as “The Biscuit Lady” because of her famous biscuits and her mastery of the art of southern comfort cooking. She loved sewing, crafting and expressing her love by feeding her family and friends. She was a talented, award-winning doll maker, crafting Father Christmases and other emblematic figures in the likeness of her late father’s image for the mold.
She was most fulfilled by being a caregiver to others and being a pillar of love and support for her family. Among her varied talents and calls to service, she was a devoted homemaker who raised two daughters, cared for two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and extended family members throughout her life. She is perhaps best remembered for her nurturing spirit and her gift for caring for others with a magical touch that was uniquely her own. Everything about her and all that she did was guided by an unwavering faith. She was a devoted Christian and loved sharing her faith to bring hope to those around her.
She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Ward; her granddaughter, Courtney Stepp Lowery (Sean) and son, Tyler Stepp Lowery; a grandson Ryan Ward, and his daughter, EmmaLee McMahan-Ward. She will also be missed by her surviving brother, Jerry King, and her many, many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A service will be held at Shaws Creek Baptist Church on Saturday, August 3rd at 1:00 PM.
The family will receive family and friends one hour prior to service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shaws Creek Baptist Church at 91 Shaws Creek Church Road, Hendersonville, NC 28791.
Condolences may be sent to the McCullough family at www.jacksonfuneralservice.com or C/O Jackson Funeral Service, 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792. Please include the name of the deceased on the condolence.