Suellen (Stanley) Arnett

Suellen Stanley Arnett, passed away unexpectedly in Lisbon, Portugal, on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the age of 69.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the First Baptist Church, Laurinburg officiated by Rev. Dr. Wayne Wike. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service in the church fellowship hall. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Southside Cemetery in Troy, NC, officiated by Pastor Nick Allen for Suellen’s Montgomery County family and friends.

Born on November 2, 1955, in Craven County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Herbert Earl Stanley and Ellen Buffkin Stanley.

Suellen, a dedicated educator, devoted her life to enlightening the minds of young people. After receiving her undergraduate degree at UNC-Greensboro and her master's degree at UNC-Pembroke, she embarked on a fulfilling career as a teacher. For many years, she taught various grades in Montgomery County, NC, Florence County, SC, and concluded her teaching journey in Scotland County.

Outside the classroom, Suellen was deeply involved in her community. She was a long-standing member of the First Baptist Church in Laurinburg, where she was active in numerous church activities, including assisting with Vacation Bible School. Her commitment to faith and community was unwavering, and she often led by example through her actions and words. Suellen's zest for life was evident through her involvement in the Sandhills Shag Club with her husband, Gary. Together, they danced and created joyful memories. Moreover, Suellen volunteered her time with Tis the Season, further showcasing her giving nature and her desire to contribute. Suellen had a profound love for Christmas, a season that reflected her own generosity and warmth. Travel, shopping, reading, and gardening were among her favorite pastimes, but nothing brought her more joy than "shelling" at the beach, where she would search for seashells. Above all, Suellen cherished the moments spent with her granddaughters and her great-grandson and her love for her family was immense. Suellen is survived by her husband of 28 years, Gary Arnett of the home; her daughter, Shandi Arnett Webb, and her husband, Jason of Rockingham; her sisters, Anne Myers, and her husband David of Laurinburg and Vicki Stanley of Raeford; her granddaughters, Carley Elizabeth Kelly and her husband, JD of Lilesville and Abby Renee Webb of Rockingham; her great-grandson, Levi Reese Kelly of Lilesville; her nephews, Scott Myers and his wife, Natalie and Michael Myers and his wife, Magen all of Wilmington; great-nephew, Luke Myers of Wilmington; and great-niece, Sutter Myers.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service and Crematorium is assisting the Arnett family.