Rev. Susan D. Rector

Bluefield, WV- Rev. Susan Dawn Rector, 57, of Bluefield, WV, died Wednesday September 30, 2015 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. Born April 17, 1958 in Gassaway, WV, she was the daughter of Jerry Long of Tesla, WV and the late Patricia Collins Long. Susan was a graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She was ordained as an Elder of the United Methodist Church 24 years ago. She was currently the Pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church and Bland Street United Methodist Church in Bluefield, and had formerly pastored at Perry Memorial United Methodist Church in Shady Spring, WV, Stealey United Methodist Church in Clarksburg, WV, Dallas United Methodist Charge in Wheeling, WV and Shortline United Methodist Charge in Martinsville, WV. Susan was past President of Kappa Phi, a Christian women’s sorority in college. She was a lover of science fiction and Dr. Who. She was a licensed HAM Radio operator who often helped in disaster response to communities. She was a member of the American Women’s Who’s Who, was Worthy Matron in the Order of Eastern Star, and had served in various Conference leadership positions. Susan was known for her ministering to those who needed a lift. She loved her ministry to the children of the Church, as well as to the community. In addition to her father, survivors include her husband of 32 years, Rev. Stephen Rector; one brother, David Long and wife Phyllis of Tesla, WV, and two nephews, Nicholas and A.J. Long of Tesla. The family will receive friends at Trinity United Methodist Church on Thursday October 1, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday October 2, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. from Trinity United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Joe Kenaston officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Pat Haye, Derek Swope, Steve Crowe, Todd Browning, Kevin Handley, Tom Chaffin and John Mahood. Burial will be at Skidmore Cemetery in Sutton, WV, where funeral services will be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity-Bland Street United Methodist Charge, 401 College Avenue, Bluefield, WV 24701. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Rev. Susan Dawn Rector.

Rev. Susan D. Rector

April 17, 1958 - September 30, 2015