Puryear Prayer Garden was established in memory of Susan Leigh Puryear. Ms. Puryear was an extraordinary young lady. She was a light in our community and loved sharing Jesus with everyone.

Susan Leigh Puryear
Whose life and faith continue through those who seek and find God here.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Miss Susan Leigh Puryear was born August 16, 1988 in Cumberland County. She loved and was active in her church, her school, and her community. Susan was a member of the Clinton Pentecostal Holiness Church and was leader of the church’s dance team.
A junior at Clinton High School, she was a member of the BETA and Latin Clubs, as well as president of the Fellowship of Christian Students. She also attended the North Carolina Governor’s School of the Arts to study dance.
Because of her great love of dance and the look on younger dancer’s faces, she planned to be a dance teacher. Meredith College was special to her, and she had plans to attend there after high school.
Susan is remembered as Miss Clinton High School and Miss Relay for Life of Sampson County.
The following friends and family are also remembered and honored in the Puryear Prayer Garden.
Beverly Ann (Sutton) Puryear
Born on October 18, 1959 in Sampson County, Beverly was the daughter of the late Horace Ray and Mary Ann Bryant Sutton. She graduated from Mt. Olive College with a Business Degree; and obtained a Teaching Degree from Fayetteville State. She was a teacher for many years at Union Elementary and Hargrove Elementary and especially enjoyed teaching Pre-K and Kindergarten. She had a passion for children and was loved by her students. Beverly’s “world” was her daughter, Susan Leigh and she loved nothing more than supporting her in every way possible. Wherever Susan was, you could find her parents – cheering her on and being her #1 Fans. Beverly loved to travel to antique shops, going all over the Carolinas to find new “treasures”. She had a passion for Beach Music and loved to shag, and over the last several years enjoyed going on cruises. Beverly had many friends, co-workers and students who loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed.


Anthony Wayne Carter
Mr. Carter born in Sampson County, was the son of Vernon Carter and the late Mable Ann Carter. He was a member of Allegiant Church & Creative Ministries and was loved by his family and friends.
Julia Marie (Peacock) Lockamy
Born on March 15th, 1942 in Vance County, Julia was the daughter of the late David and Essie Davidson Peacock. Julia enjoyed being a homemaker where she loved caring for her grandchildren & great-grandchildren.


Billy Collee Lockamy
Born on November 10, 1948 in Sampson County, Billy was the son of the late William and Mary Huggins Lockamy. Billy was married to the love of his life for thirty-one years, the late Julia Marie Peacock Lockamy, who passed away three years ago. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Army serving his country in the Vietnam war and was a Purple Heart recipient. He was an active member of Allegiant Church & Creative Ministries. He was always tinkering in his workshed, either building something, fixing something or working in the yard. He also loved buying tractors, especially John Deere, and enjoyed watching Gunsmoke. More than anything, he loved his family and adored his grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Norbert John Krantz, Jr.
Norbert was born in Eugene, Oregon on November 22nd, 1946, and was the eldest son of the late Norbert John Krantz, Sr. and Grace Elizabeth (Krantz) Moliter and the father of the late Nicholas Norbert Krantz. Norbert was educated in seminary, served in the Army, worked in forestry and computer programming; and was always a faithful servant of God. Norbert was a member of Allegiant Church and Creative Ministries where he loved singing, dancing, celebrating his community, and worshiping.

Extremely talented, Susan Puryear loved creative dance in particular. In honor of her many talents, Allegiant Church, in partnership with Meta4 Productions, established the Puryear Arts Scholarship. We will host the first annual Puryear Arts Scholarship Talent Showcase this fall. It is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, September 23, 2023
The Puryear Prayer Garden and Puryear Arts Scholarship are community supported. You can honor Susan and her legacy by visiting our website PuryearLegacy.org and using our secure online giving form . Simply choose Puryear Legacy. Donations may also be made in person or by mail to PO Box 880 Clinton, NC 28329.
To learn more about the Puryear Prayer Garden, Arts Scholarship, Talent Showcase, or becoming a sponsor, contact us directly at Info@PuryearLegacy.org or sign up for our newsletter here.