Sue Allen Borden

Sue Allen Borden gracefully passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, at the age of 89, while in hospice care at Shannondale’s skilled nursing facility. Sue was born on December 30, 1935, in Shelby County, Alabama. Sue grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, where she cultivated the values of kindness, faith, and service that defined her life.

Sue attended the University of Alabama, majoring in Home Economics. It was there that she met the love of her life, Wilson Borden. The two were married on August 6, 1955, and recently celebrated an extraordinary 69 years of devotion to one another.

Together, Sue and Wilson built a loving family, raising three children: Allen Borden (Lisa), Laura Black (Gene) and David Borden (Jenny). She was a dedicated and nurturing mother whose commitment to her family was evident in every aspect of her life. Her legacy of love extends to her six grandchildren: Keely Peterson (Tor), Maksim Borden, Alona Borden, Max Borden (Kay), Natasha Borden, and Isabelle Borden; three great-grandchildren: Kallum and Maclain Peterson and Selvee Wilson; as well as her sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Mack Graham, and her niece, Leslie Cheatham (Al), Dr. Chris Brown, nephew-in-law, and all whose lives she enriched with her warmth and wisdom. Sue is preceded in death by her parents, Max and Bea Allen and her niece, Ashley Graham Brown.

Sue was a pillar of her community, generously giving her time and talents to causes she held dear. She was an active member of the Junior Service League, the Chilhowee Club, and a volunteer at her children’s schools. Sue also served as co-chair of the Pillars Society of the Blount County United Way and as a board member of the Blount County Red Cross, embodying a spirit of service that inspired many. She was an active member of First Baptist Church for over 60 years, where, in her younger years, she served in the nursery, and in more recent years, enjoyed participating in the Fellowship Bible Study Class. Sue was active in the Shannondale Women’s committee, where she served as secretary.

Sue lived an active life with a vibrant, smiling personality. For many years, she was a competitive doubles tennis player in the Knox Area Women’s Tennis League. With a spirit for adventure, Sue and Wilson traveled extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Europe on over 70 ocean or river cruises.

The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses, and staff at Blount Memorial Hospital for their excellent care, along with the skilled nurses at both Shannondale and hospice.

A very special note of appreciation to Sue’s personal family physician, Dr. Mark Green, who compassionately watched over her health needs for many, many years.

Sue was a beautiful soul whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she knew. She placed her trust in Jesus, her Lord and Savior. Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. Sue Borden, a courageous woman with unwavering faith, is with our Lord and Savior.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life at First Baptist Church of Maryville with Dr. Bill Booth officiating. The service will begin at 12:00 PM, Saturday 11, 2025, with visitation to follow. A private entombment will be at Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Maryville, 202 Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, Tennessee 37801.