Sue Girard:

After high school, I went to work for the C&P Telephone Co. I married Stephen Futrell on November 9, 1961. I stopped worked when our first son, Michael was born in September 1962. We started our own business (an automotive machine shop) in 1963. I feel fortunate that I was able to be a stay-at-home Mom. After Michael, we had Eric, Rebecca, and Melissa.

We were very active in the Antique Automobile Club in the 60's and 70's, owning a 1916 Model T Touring, a 1931 Chrysler Imperial, a 1934 Buick 90 Series, a 1957 Ford T Bird, and a 1963 Split-window Corvette. During this time, Steve got his private pilots license and we owned a Piper Pacer Airplane.

While the children were in school, I worked in the P.T.A., Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Jr. High and High School Band Parents and Chaperon, and taught Sunday School. I also, did a lot of sewing and crafts.

I have been lucky enough to baby sit all 9 of my grandchildren, ages 2 to 20. The oldest granddaughter is shared with Russel Myers (PAHS ’60).

I'm still teaching Sunday School, an older ladies class, and singing in the church choir. Also, for the last 7 years, I've been singing with an all volunteer non-denominational mission choir, The Virginia Voices International. Fifty years ago I would never have believed that I would travel the world. Music is an international language and opens doors to places that you could never go otherwise. Children are our main interest, so where ever we go they are our focus. In 2004, we went to Salto, Uruguay, in 2006, we worked in 3 orphanages in Smolensk and Moscow, Russia. We are the only American choir that has sung in the Smolensk Russian Orthodox Cathedral. (This was done very quietly.)  In 2008, we went to Hawick, Scotland. We also gave concerts in the churches.  We work locally and around the country with orphanages, rescue missions, charities, and churches, when we are not traveling.

So between doing for my 90 year old mother, who still lives alone, taking care of grandchildren, church, 2 choirs, and of course our business, I stay busy.  Oh!  I forgot to mention I've sold Avon for over 28 years and I still do a little sewing and crafts.