Sussie "Sue" Wheeler Gore, age 85, passed away on October 20, 2026. Born on May 15, 1941, Fort Pierce, Florida, tothe late Ruben Wheeler and Ada Yates Wheeler, Sue lived a life filled with adventure and, above all, love for her family and others. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend, she had a special way of bringing people together and making everyone feel welcome. She was the person loved ones turned to in difficult times, offering understanding, encouragement, and reassurance when they needed it most.

Growing up in Fort Pierce as the only daughter among five brothers, Sue developed the strength and independence that would characterize her throughout her life. Though she attended high school, much of her education came through life and the people she encountered along the way. Never afraid to get her hands dirty, she shared 68 years of marriage with Thomas "Tommy" Watson Gore, Jr., her beloved husband and partner in life's many adventures. Together, they built a lifegrounded in love and family. Tommy preceded her in death on July 17, 2026, and there is comfort in knowing they arereunited.

Sue's working life reflected her resourcefulness and determination. After Tommy's father passed away, she ran the family business, Gore's Shoe Shop, in Fort Pierce's historic Arcade Building for nine years, until a fire brought that chapter to a close. She later served as an assistant with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, sharing in the alligator trapping adventures that were part of life with Tommy. She also spent many years with the Vachon Citrus Company in Fort Pierce, packing citrus and running the gift shop, work she genuinely enjoyed.

Eventually, Sue and Tommy made their home in Alma, Georgia, where they put down roots for more than 25 years. Wherever she lived, Sue created a welcoming home for the many people drawn to her generous heart.

Family was the center of Sue's world. Known affectionately as "Mother Goose," she watched over those she loved andkept generations connected. Her nieces and nephews were cherished as her own children, and friends who came into her life often became family. She offered support without judgment and made people feel they always had someone intheir corner.

As a mother, Sue made sure her beloved daughter, Ada Serafini (Kelly), grew up surrounded by love. Through Sue's nurturing heart, Ada was surrounded by cousins and a wider circle of family and friends who became brothers and sisters in spirit. Sue loved creating happy memories for the children in her life, and family vacations often included extra children so everyone could share in the adventure. She delighted in bringing people together and making sure every child she loved felt cherished, included, and part of the family.

Many will forever treasure visits with Sue, where there was always a familiar welcome, a Western playing on television, and time to sit, talk, and feel at home. She loved the outdoors, antiquing, browsing at Goodwill, her beloved collectibles, tending her flowers and roses, enjoying the birds, and sitting on the porch. Hummingbirds and butterflies brought her joy, along with the simple pleasure of

taking in the world around her. As the years passed and some of her favorite activities became more difficult, her love for family and the strength of her spirit never diminished.

One of Sue's special joys was watching her great granddaughters, Audrey and Emily, grow. As their beloved "Nana Boo-Boo," she took great pride in seeing them flourish and cherished the happiness they brought her. Watching another generation of her family grow was a precious reminder of the love she and Tommy had built together. Though she will not be there for all the milestones still to come, the love she gave the girls will always remain part of their lives.

In addition to her parents, Sue was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas "Tommy" Watson Gore, Jr., and her brothers Johnny, Ervin, Burnice, and Chris Wheeler.

She is survived by her daughter, Ada Serafini (Kelly) of Alma; grandchildren Kelly Malchow (Brenton) of Fort Pierce, Florida, and Vincent Serafini of El Paso, Texas; great granddaughters Audrey and Emily Malchow; her brother Leon Wheeler (Carmen) of Douglas, Georgia; and numerous nieces and nephews, many of whom she loved as her own children. She also leaves behind extended family and dear friends who will forever be grateful to have been part of her life.

Sue's legacy lives on in the family she held together, the memories she created, and the kindness she inspired. Her loved ones will honor her by caring for one another, keeping family traditions alive, and extending the same warmth and welcome she gave so freely.

Sue and Tommy will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved them. Their greatest treasure was the family theynurtured, with Sue as the anchor that held them together. Reunited in the loving arms of the Lord after a lifetime side byside, their love will live on through the generations they leave behind and the family bonds they built together. May they rest peacefully, forever together.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Crosby Funeral Home, withPastor Steve Dees officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. until

service time.

Interment will follow at Fort Bassinger Cemetery in Fort Bassinger, Florida. Haisley Funeral Home in Fort Pierce, Florida, will be in charge of the interment arrangements and final resting place alongside her beloved Tommy.