Sue Ray Smith Colmant

Sue Ray Smith Colmant passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston Salem on May 9, 2025. She was 80 years old. Sue was born on August 25, 1944 in Winston Salem to Oscar and Betty Smith. She graduated from East Surry High School in 1962 and furthered her education at Western Carolina University. Sue dedicated her life to helping and promoting social justice for the underserved and less fortunate populations. After graduation, Sue worked in Orangeburg, SC for Orange County Disabilities and Special Needs where she served the cerebral palsy caseload. From there she moved to Gainesville, GA where she was employed by the Human Services Department. There, she provided support and assistance to individuals in need encompassing a wide range of social welfare programs aimed at improving the well-being of residents in the local area. Sue then moved to Mt Airy, NC and was employed by Vocational Rehabilitation where she provided counseling, training, education, transportation and job placement for the mental health caseload. Lastly, Sue moved to Pensacola, Florida where she worked for the Florida Council on Aging and served Florida’s diverse aging interests through education, information-sharing and advocacy. While working in Florida, Sue met and married John Colmant, who was a chef with vast experience in the culinary field. Sue and John moved back to Pilot Mountain in 1992 to open the Colmant House Restaurant, a fine dining establishment and favorite of locals throughout the regional Triad. Sue was preceded in death by her husband, John Colmant, her Father and Mother, Oscar Smith Sr. and Betty Smith, her brother, Oscar Smith, Jr., and her loving furbaby, Chloe. Surviving are her loving sister, Liz Tilley (Jerry), nephew, Josh Tilley (Karrie) niece, Molly White (HR), nephew Mark Smith and four very special great nieces and nephews: Madison and McKenzie Tilley, Barrett and Hayden White.

A service will be held at 11 am on May 16, 2025 at Pilot Mountain First United Methodist Church with Reverend Dr. Jeremy Pegram officiating. There will be no formal visitation prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sue’s name may be directed to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 696, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041.

The family would like to thank the staff of CenterWell Home Health Care of King N.C. and the Palliative Care unit at Forsyth Hospital in Winston Salem for taking excellent and compassionate care of Sue in her final days. Additionally, the family would like to thank and acknowledge special caregivers; Stephanie Welch, Nikki Mitchell, Janet Sumner and Lori Harden for staying by Sue’s side and caring for her during this time. Finally, the family would also like to give a special thank you to Sylvia Sands, Sue’s best friend, for providing support and unwavering love to Sue for many years.