Martha “Sue” Ligon, 76 of Statesville, N.C., passed away unexpectedly on February 12, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. Born July 26, 1948, in Statesville to the late Dr. Robert and Mrs. LaRue Hudgins she enjoyed many childhood adventures, including trips down east to Pilot, NC, playing basketball, looking after siblings and being involved in First Baptist Church.

Sue graduated from Statesville High and went on to Catawba College, where she graduated with her teaching degree. After teaching for approximately five years, she went on to work at Belk’s before going to work at USPS as a rural carrier. She was on the executive board of Rural Letter Carriers Association and served on many appointed committees for the State of North Carolina. She was a certified examiner for rural carriers and was on the hiring team for the Greensboro District.

In 1972, Sue met James “Jim” Ligon Jr. and on August 17, 1974, they married. Together they enjoyed over 50 years of marriage before his passing on November 12, 2024. Sue and Jim built a wonderful life together at the family farm, where she loved to feed the birds and watch them. Her favorites were hummingbirds and bluebirds.

Sue was involved in church all her life and was a strong Christian woman. She was involved in Women on Mission (WMU), funeral meals and other church activities.

Sue was selfless, humble, gentle, independent, proud and caring. She was funny without being funny. She would do anything to help you. To know Sue was to know love. Her simple acts of kindness through cards, meals or phone calls showed love every day.

Sue was a caring host who hosted many baby and wedding showers, hootenannies, Christmas gatherings, etc. Everything was always perfect, and she made everyone feel so welcome. Known for her award-winning pound cake, she was always cooking and baking.

Sue was predeceased by her parents, a special nephew Robert “Rob” Hudgins III and brother-in-law Bobby Walker.

Survivors include siblings, Amelia Walker, Robert Hudgins Jr. (Vicki) and Dr. Jeff Hudgins (Jennifer) and “little brother” John Hudgins; nieces and nephews, Josh (Tori) Hudgins and their daughter Rachel, Elizabeth (Gerald) Adkins and their children Walker, Lee and Corinna, Bill (Lauren) Walker, Laura (Tyler) Messick and their children Brooks and Raelynn, Katie (Alexander) Hudgins, Will (Molly) Hudgins and their children Hadley and Emmie, Jay Hudgins and Mack Hudgins.

Funeral services will be held February 16, 2025, at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, Olin, N.C. at 3 p.m. Rev. Jeff Holder and Rev. David Childress will officiate the service. There will be no formal visitation, but the family will greet friends from 2 to 2:45 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Burial will follow at the Abilene Church Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved Jim.

Pallbearers will be Bill Walker, Richard Sykes, Tyler Messick, Gerald Adkins, Alexander Dontje and Jake Williams.

At Sue’s request, we request no flowers. Memorials may be sent to The Old Rugged Cross Foundation, PO Box 41, Niles, MI 49120 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.