July 24, 2026, 87, Goldsboo – Sula Newton Ridings, 87, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, surrounded by the love and prayers of those who cherished her. Her life was a beautiful testimony of faith, compassion, and selfless service—a legacy that touched countless lives through her nursing career, her church, and the Order of the Eastern Star.
Sula was born in Craven County on September 14, 1938, to the late James Raymond Newton and Carrie Williams Newton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Jerry Dale Ridings; her sister, Kathryn Ann Newton Denise Keen; her sister-in-law, Lula Ann Pullen; and her brother-in-law, Lynn Ridings.
For more than six decades, Sula answered God’s call to care for others through her profession as a Registered Nurse. Nursing was far more than a career—it was her ministry. With kindness, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to her patients, she faithfully served at O’Berry Center, Cherry Hospital, Wayne Memorial Hospital, the Wayne County Public Health Department, and the Greene County Health Department. Even after many would have chosen retirement, Sula continued serving until the remarkable age of 82, a testament to her dedication and love for helping others.
Her faith in Christ was the foundation upon which she built her life. A devoted member of First Free Will Baptist Church, Sula faithfully served her church family in countless ways. Whether serving as a trustee, church board member, deacon, member of the hospitality and bereavement committees, or through the Dorcas Circle, she quietly lived out her faith with a servant’s heart. She believed that the greatest expression of God’s love was found in caring for others, and she faithfully put that belief into practice every day.
Sula also devoted more than 60 years of faithful service to the Goldsboro Chapter No. 54, Order of the Eastern Star. Throughout those many years, she exemplified the organization’s principles of charity, truth, and loving kindness. She served as Grand Martha of the Grand Chapter of North Carolina, Order of the Eastern Star, District Grand Matron, and held numerous leadership roles within Goldsboro Chapter No. 54, including several terms as Worthy Matron and Secretary. Whenever there was a need, Sula willingly stepped forward to serve. In recognition of her extraordinary commitment, she was honored with the 60-Year Medallion celebrating her decades of faithful membership and service.
Among her many passions within the Order of the Eastern Star, the Service Dog Project held a special place in her heart. She believed deeply in its mission, offering steadfast support and encouragement throughout the years. Her dedication to this ministry reflected her lifelong desire to improve the lives of others through compassion and practical service.
Those who knew Sula will remember her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, generous heart, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Whether caring for a patient, comforting a grieving family, serving her church, or supporting her Eastern Star family, she lived with grace, humility, and purpose. Her life was a reflection of Christ’s love, and her legacy will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home, followed by a service to celebrate Sula’s life at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Dr. Otis E. Hamm, Jr. officiating. Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
Sula is survived by her nephew, Eric Pullen and wife, Chrissie, of McEwen, Tennessee; her great-nieces, Erica Bryan and husband, Austin, and Megan Birt and husband, Zach; and her treasured great-great-nephew, Max Birt.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made in Sula’s memory to First Free Will Baptist Church, P.O. Box 186, Goldsboro, NC 27533, or to the Order of the Eastern Star Service Dog Project. To make a donation to the Service Dog Project, please send your contribution through Goldsboro Chapter #54 OES, 706 Patetown Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23
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