MARION, N.C.— Grace Gordon Greenlee joined her Heavenly Father, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. She was a lifelong resident of McDowell County, living the majority of her life on her family’s farm in Woodlawn.
Grace was a graduate of North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. After college she began her professional career in the horse industry by starting Sans Souci Arabians where she was owner/trainer. She would go on to train and produce multiple national champions in the Arabian horse industry. Her beloved stallion, multi-national and international champion, Warranty was a major contributor to her efforts as a breeder and training facility. Grace was also a United States Equestrian Federation Judge, accredited in not only the Arabian division but also as a National Show Horse, Friesian, Andalusian and Lusitano judge. She was also an inspector for registration for the Gypsy Vanner and Haflinger registries. She served in these capacities in not only the United States but judged internationally on three other continents.
Although she started her business as Sans Souci Arabian, she developed a strong affection for the Friesian horse and sought to acquire some of the best bloodstock, traveling to the Netherlands to purchase mares and stallions where she imported them to the US and Sans Souci Show horses was now her business entity.
Grace was arguably one of the most qualified breeders and judges of equine bloodstock in the world – no matter the breed. She fully understood the need to modernize the horse but to retain foundation characteristics.
Grace is survived by two sisters, Loto Greenlee of New Bern, and Charlotte Carter of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, as well as her nephew, Charles Semones (Jasmine Awadallah); a great niece, Zia Semones; a great nephew Noah Semones; and her first cousin, Jo Gill Fender. She is also survived by three dear friends, Patti Wilkerson, Rachael Hoilman and Sue Justice.
The family received friends from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in the chapel of Westmoreland Funeral Home in Marion. A funeral service to celebrate Grace’s life was held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Linda Scott officiating. Interment will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to the cancer research organization of your choice.
Westmoreland Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.westmorelandfuneralhome.com.