Suzanne F. "Sue" Knowles

Suzanne F. "Sue" Knowles, 87, joined her family in heaven on July 1, 2024. She was born to Anthony Reigner Fretz and Margaret Catherine Flanagan Fretz and had two older sisters, Margaret (Peggy) Antionette and Patricia Jean. A Carolina girl through and through, she graduated from Graham High School in 1954 and East Carolina College (University) in 1958. She taught mathematics in Danville, Virginia, then moved to Portsmouth, Virginia, where she met the love of her life, William “Bill” Knowles. Suzanne taught at Wilson and Deep Creek High Schools before transferring to Western Branch Jr High (Middle School), where she taught for 22 years. While at Western Branch, she served as the Math Department Chair and sponsor of the National Junior Honor Society. Working with students brought her great joy. Suzanne often ran into former students locally and internationally. Many remember her as incredibly kind and one of their favorite math teachers. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an honorary society for educators. She was Teacher of the Year for Western Branch Jr High. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 61 years, Bill Knowles, her son Patrick (Melissa), her granddaughter Anna, and her daughter Susan (Donald). Suzanne stayed close to her nieces Anne Murray and Suzanne Stevens and their children, as well as her sister-in-law June Fletcher, her husband Jack, and their children. Suzanne leaves a legacy of limitless compassion and kindness that extended to all people and animals. No person or animal was invisible to her. She recognized the good in everyone and never missed an opportunity to thank someone for a good deed, send a hand-written thank you note or bring a bouquet of flowers from their beautiful backyard. She was an active member of her community. She volunteered at Maryview Hospital and Churchland Baptist Church and was a member of several garden clubs. She loved music and sang in the Norfolk and Dick Barnes Chorale. She traveled all over the country and world with Bill, but her favorite place was home, where she could tend to her family, pets, and backyard flowers. She had a strong faith and devotion to God. She loved painting, sewing and was an amazing cook. Sue and Bill enjoyed a full life together, attending local sports events, golfing, fishing and going to dinner every Friday night with friends at local restaurants. They were regulars at the Portsmouth YMCA for decades. She had an incredible gift of hospitality, making others feel comfortable and loved. The impact she had on others as a wife, mother, sister, friend and teacher is immeasurable. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Autumn Care of Portsmouth for their loving, skilled caregiving and support. The family will receive visitors at Loving Funeral Home on Friday, July 5, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. in Churchland Baptist Church, with Dr. Dan Koger officiating. The interment will be private. Donations can be made to Churchland Baptist Church or to the charity of your choice.