Ruth Gay Davis Suther, 80, of Statesville, N.C., died Thursday, October 31, 2024, at the Gordon Hospice House. She was born in Statesville on July 1, 1944, to the late William Young Davis Sr. and Idelle McLemore Davis.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James (Jim) Thomas Connolly Sr., as well as her second husband, Eugene (Gene) Monroe Suther. She was also preceded in death by two of her brothers, William Young Davis Jr. and Clell Thomas Davis, as well as one grandson, John Davis Connolly.

Gay’s life was a life of music. She graduated as a music major from Appalachian State and taught piano, sang in the church choir and played the piano and organ at church.

Having grown up in Statesville, she and Jim established a life in Elizabeth City, where he taught at COA. After his passing, she moved her two sons back to Statesville, where she married Gene. For a number of years, they operated G&G Hobbies in Statesville. She loved playing bridge and spending time with her bridge club members.

She is survived by her sons, James Connolly Jr. (Tammy) and Neal Connolly (Elisa); brother, Harry Davis; and eight grandchildren, Jacob Connolly, Becca Connolly, Trey Connolly, Sarah (Jonathan) Tindall, Josh Connolly, Ben Connolly, Jenna Connolly and Gabe Connolly.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 10, at New Salem United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. with Chaplain John Connolly officiating. Burial will follow at New Salem United Methodist Church.

The family will receive friends for visitation in the sanctuary at New Salem United Methodist Church from 2 to 2:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.