Minnie Lee Surratt of Morganton, NC, passed away, Sunday, June 4, 2023. Minnie was born on January 14, 1947 to the late Edward and Ophelia Johnson in her beloved hometown of Burke County, where she lived for 76 years. She was a graduate of McDowell Tech Nursing School and retired from her nursing career after 30 devoted years at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, formally Western Carolina Center. She continued her passion for working well into her sixties as a home health nurse. In her retirement, she served as a member of the Red Hat Society and Bethunes Women’s Club, along with treasurer of the Distinguished Women and Gentlemen’s Club for several years. In addition to her philanthropy, Minnie used her remarkable culinary skills to cook and serve meals for thousands of people at no charge. Minnie loved to travel around the world with visits to Greece, Turkey, Alaska, England, and throughout the Caribbean. When she wasn’t traveling, you could find her cheering for her grandsons at sporting events or shopping at every local thrift store. Those who knew her loved her deeply and described her as selfless, generous, forgiving, and having a “heart of gold.”
She is survived by her children, Charles Edward Surratt Jr. (Amanda), Andrena Surratt, and Jamahl Surratt (Brandi); grandsons, Charlie Williams, Ian Surratt, Ethan Kincaid, Terrence Jaylen Surratt, Chazz Surratt, Sage Surratt, and Nate Surratt; granddaughters, Sydney Surratt, Joie Morrison, Sara Epley, and Jessy Epley; great-grandson, Zander Surratt; great-granddaughter, Jonai Morrison; brothers, James Corpening, and Clarence Johnson (Shirley); sister, Christine Johnson; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Minnie is preceded by her husband, Charles Edward Surratt, Sr.; son, Terrence Surratt (Nicole); brother, Eugene “Dusty Red” Johnson, brother, Virgil Lee Johnson; and sister Rebecca “Bookie” Johnson.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 5 p.m., Monday, June 12, 2023 at First United Methodist Church. The funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. in the church. Burial will follow at Shiloh AME Church Cemetery.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Thoughts and prayers are with the entire family and her friends. A life of serving others is her everlasting legacy.
Deepest sympathy.
I’m sorry sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs Surratt. I’m a recent acquaintance of Charles and Amanda and have never had a conversation with either of them when their mom was not mentioned. I pray that they find the piece that God gives that passes all understand.
I worked with Minnie for years and we had some great times at WCC and working with "Ducky". She was a wonderful person.
A beautiful woman with a heart full of love!! Gone but never forgotten ❤️
Please accept our deepest condolences in the loss of your sweet mother. It thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I miss you so much Momma Minnie! Hard to believe we wont see you anymore and wont be able to get one of your big warm hugs. I will forever love you, Amanda
So sorry for your loss my dear friend
Miss Minnie you will certainly be missed You was a great lady and a good friend. Thank you for loving us. I know you are walking those beautiful streets of gold with no pain. Prayers for the family