WILMINGTON — Teresa Suggs Cruse (Teri) left her earthly restraints behind at her home on April 17, 2025. She was 60 years old.
Born in Conway, South Carolina, on October 20, 1964, Teri grew up with a boundless spirit and an easy smile that drew people in from the very start. A lifelong hard‑worker, she poured her energy into everything she touched—whether that meant clocking long hours at Dupont and then later, International Paper, to help provide for her family or staying up late to comfort a friend who needed a listening ear.
On April 1, 1988, she married her best friend, Robert Cruse, beginning a 38 year love story marked by laughter, devotion, and a shared faith that anchored them through every season. Together they raised their son, Bryan, who remains forever grateful for a mother who taught him—in words and in example—never to give up.
Teri’s greatest delight blossomed in the next generation: her grandchildren Cayleigh, Carleigh, Kierstyn, and Carter, with another grand blessing due later this year. “Gammy” was their biggest cheerleader, the keeper of snacks, and the source of endless stories and hugs. Teri was a Christian and lived her faith in action—offering rides, meals, and encouragement to anyone in need.
She was quick to laugh, quicker to hug, and somehow always found just the right words, whether you were nine or ninety. She loved reading everything from devotionals to thrillers, and she surprised more than a few people with an impressive catalog of Eminem lyrics she could quote (or sing) on command.
Teri’s bright spirit lives on in those who loved her most: her devoted husband, Robert Cruse; her son, Bryan Cruse, and daughter‑in‑law, Ali; her cherished grandchildren Cayleigh, Carleigh, Kierstyn, and Carter, and a much‑anticipated not yet here granddaughter, who is already loved beyond measure; her sisters, Bobbie Ray and Sonya Todd; her brother, Charles Hooks, Jr. (Wendy): her nieces, Lori Dudley (David) and Keri Squires (Bryan); and other numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her parents, John Burrough Suggs and Carrie Hooks Suggs, who now welcome her into eternal rest.
Teri was a big advocate in supporting organizations that fought against domestic violence. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Hope Harbor Home, Inc. in Brunswick County — an organization close to Teri’s heart and consistent with her lifelong passion for helping others find refuge and hope.
“Never give up,” she would say—words we now carry forward, honoring her legacy with the same determination, love, and unstoppable grace that defined her beautiful life. Teri will be remembered not with sorrow, but with the joyous laughter she gave so freely. Her smile lit every room; her energy lifted every spirit.
As she often reminded her family, life is a gift —one to be lived fully, loved deeply, and shared generously. Though our hearts ache at her absence, we rejoice in knowing she is whole, pain‑free, and forever in Heaven.
