Suzanne West Gore was born October 11th, 1954, the first child of Bob and Sylvia West. She grew up in Orlando, Florida with her two younger siblings, David and Robynne. After graduating from Evans High, Suzanne went to Florida College where she fell in love with Fred Gore.
They were married in 1974 and settled permanently in Brevard in 1983 to raise their three children (Larissa, Fred, and Josiah). Suzanne worked for many years at Rockbrook Camp and Ramsey & Pratt, P.A., and she was well loved by many throughout Transylvania County. Suzanne’s faith played a central role in her life, and it was her greatest hope that other people would see Jesus through her.
Her faith was the driving force behind her Bible correspondence course (“Getting to Know God”) which she authored and managed for over 17 years. Through her ministry Suzanne impacted thousands of lives in American prisons, across Africa, and around the world. She led many people to Christ and mentored many more through her written letters, and the ripples of Suzanne’s faith and influence will be felt for generations to come.
Suzanne’s greatest treasure and beautiful legacy are her children (eight including spouses and her adopted daughter, Sam) and her ten grandchildren. Over the years she poured out her energy and love in supporting these families, helping to raise her grandchildren and to guide her children through the challenges of young marriage and new parenthood. Through their long marriage Fred and Suzanne set an example of love and commitment that has blessed and strengthened their children.
Her greatest example was her love of God, her kind heart, and her unwavering focus on doing good for others. She combined a gentle spirit with an astounding strength of character and deep wisdom that equipped her to be a cherished counselor and encourager to her friends and family. She was a prayer warrior, a good listener, and always ready to greet anyone with a kind smile and warm embrace.
After being diagnosed with cancer in March of 2017, Suzanne lived with courage and hope, defying the doctor’s expectations and enjoying two of the richest years of her life. She was deeply blessed by the words of love and encouragement that poured in from near and far, and she compiled multiple binders of her “Gratitudes,” carefully cataloguing each blessing that came in the midst of her illness. She passed from this earthly life on Wednesday, February 20th with Fred and her children by her side.
A celebration of her life will be held at Hendersonville Church of Christ on March 23rd at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be sent to Disciples Fellowship (1709 Rich Mountain Road, Brevard NC 28712) so that Suzanne’s ministry may continue to bless people for years to come.
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