Obituary of Elizabeth Benforado

Elizabeth Suzanne "Suzie" Benforado, 55, of Raleigh, passed away Sunday afternoon, September 2, 2012 at home.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Life in memory of Suzie at 2:00 pm Saturday, September 8th at Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 4415 Pleasant Grove Church Rd., Raleigh, NC 27613.

Born May 6, 1957, in Lyons, GA, Suzie was the daughter of Mattie Kight Benforado and the late Joseph Benforado.

In addition to her mother, Suzie is survived by her brothers, Jim Snyder and wife Marilyn, John Benforado and wife Terri; sister Vickie McGee and husband Mike; nephews, Travis, Wesley, Carson; and nieces, Brittany, Ashley, and Sydney.

Suzie was a loving daughter and sister with a passion for people. This love was second only to her love for Jesus Christ. Suzie became a born again believer in high school then served as a counselor at Camp Tapawingo, a Christian camp for girls each summer during college. After graduating from UNCG, Suzie taught PE and coached at Jupiter Christian School in Jupiter, FL.

Suzie followed God's call to Europe to spread the gospel as a missionary over 30 years ago. While living in Austria, she smuggled bibles into communist Eastern Europe. After the communist governments fell across Europe in 1989, Suzie moved to Romania. She loved the people and country so much she became a citizen and lived there for over 20 years.

Suzie was diagnosed with cancer in July 2011 and returned to Raleigh for treatment. Her compassion for people and love for Christ never wavered and we are grateful that God gave us this time with Suzie before she went to her eternal home in heaven.

People have responded from across the globe with stories of this special person and how God intervened through her in their lives. These stories reflect the far reaching effect of Suzie's dedication and love for God. We praise God for He is Risen and Alive today and so is Suzie's spirit with her Lord and Savior in Heaven.

We would like to express our appreciation to Dr. Yuri Fesko, Emily, Dori, Shebra and all the staff at Duke Raleigh Hematology/Oncology and to Hospice of Wake County for the loving care they gave Suzie during her treatment.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in memory of Suzie to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or www.hospiceofwake.org/donate.

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, N.C. Condolences may be made at www.montlawn.com