Susan Gaskins Letchworth

Susan Gaskins Letchworth passed away on October 13, 2026, at the age of 60. Her life was rooted in family, shaped by hard work, and filled with a warmth and humor that made ordinary moments memorable. Whether she was caring for her sons, helping a family through a difficult day, or sharing a story from her childhood, Susan brought something uniquely her own—a caring heart and a way of making people smile, sometimes without even trying.

Born on June 22, 1966, to Robert and Nancy, Susan grew up alongside her sister, Amanda, and brother, Robbie, in the Sandhill community on Saints Delight Church Road. With aunts, uncles, and cousins nearby, her childhood often took her from one family home to another, surrounded by people she loved. Those familiar houses, country roads, and family connections remained close to her heart throughout her life.

As a young girl, Susan loved riding horses and was never afraid of hard work. She helped on local farms and, in later years, often reminisced about topping and suckering tobacco. She also enjoyed playfully reminding others that she could gather more chicken eggs than anyone else. Those stories carried both her pride in a job well done and the humor that those who knew her will remember so fondly.

Susan graduated from West Craven High School with the Class of 1984 and soon began working in the office at Pollock-Wells & Best Funeral Home in New Bern. What began as a job became a calling to care for others. She served her apprenticeship under Tommy Best and earned her funeral director’s license, learning to guide families with compassion during some of their most difficult moments.

After marrying, Susan and her husband established Letchworth Funeral Home in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. She worked alongside him in the business before stepping away to devote her time to raising their sons, Davis and Hunter.

Being their mother was one of the great joys of Susan’s life. Loving and attentive, she taught her boys the importance of working hard and caring for others. Her creativity found a special home in motherhood, particularly when a school assignment called for a diorama or science project. Susan poured her imagination and attention into helping the boys create projects that were detailed, impressive, and made with love. Behind every carefully placed piece was a mother who wanted her children to feel supported and take pride in their work.

Susan’s love for family extended well beyond her own home. Her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews held a special place in her heart, as did the many relatives whose lives had been woven into hers since childhood. Family mattered deeply to Susan, and she loved them dearly.
In 2010, Susan returned to her beloved hometown. Over the years, she worked at several places, including Cotten Funeral Home and Merle Norman Cosmetics, bringing her warm personality and caring ways wherever she went. She had a gift for making someone’s day a little better. Her humor was often spontaneous and unintentional, which made it all the more endearing. A simple conversation with Susan could become a story someone would smile about long afterward.

The past few years brought health challenges, and Susan faced them with strength, vigilance, and courage. Through those difficult days, she remained the woman her family knew and loved—determined, caring, and deeply connected to the people who mattered most to her.

Susan is survived by her sons, Davis Letchworth and his wife, Christi, and Hunter Letchworth; her mother, Nancy Miller; her father, Robert Avon Gaskins, Sr.; her sister, Amanda Haskett and her husband, “Coach” Rick; her brother, Robert “Robbie” Gaskins, Jr. and his wife, Laurie; and a host of special aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In keeping with Susan’s wishes, there will be no formal service. Instead, her family invites you to remember her in the simple, meaningful moments she valued. Enjoy a meal with your loved ones. Do something kind for someone in need. Show kindness to an animal. When you find yourself driving through the country or down an old dirt road, think of Susan—perhaps remembering a story, hearing her laughter, or smiling at the thought of a girl who was certain she had gathered the most eggs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Susan’s name to the SECU Hospice House, 100 Big Rock Weigh, Newport, NC 28570, or to your local food bank.

Bennett Funeral & Cremation Care is honored to serve the family and friends of Susan Gaskins Letchworth.