Mrs. Cary Dowd Cruse joined the Church Triumph on March 28, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Walter and Ida Harmon Dowd of Moore County, North Carolina. Mrs. Cruse obtained her Registered Nurse license from Cabarrus County Hospital. She served as a nurse in area hospitals and nursing homes until her retirement.
While working in Concord, NC, she met her future husband, The late Reverend Guy Cruse. In 1959, they located to White Rock, SC. Mrs. Cruse was the epitome of a pastor’s wife, supportive of her husband while attending to her family. She was by his side for 62 years. Mrs. Cruse was a member of Saint Peters Lutheran Church in Batesburg, SC.
Mrs. Cruse is survived by her sons, The Reverend G. Reginald (Amanda) Cruse, and Keith Cruse; daughters, Karen (The Reverend Kent) Peterson, and Joy Cruse. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Joshua (Paulene) Cruse, Rebekah Cruse, and Keller Cruse. Kelsey Peterson, Calvin Lee, Cole Lee. Mrs. Cruse was blessed with a great-granddaughter, Paige Cruse, and a great-grandson arriving later this summer.
Private graveside services will be held in Bush River Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Saint Peters Lutheran Church, 1117 Marcellus Road, Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070, or to a charity of one’s choice.
