Lotah Sue Fender

Lotah Sue Knight Fender, 86, of Arcadia, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026. She was born in Donalsonville, Georgia on Good Friday, March 22, 1940, and was the eldest child of Lendon Bernard Knight and Ressie Mae Robinson Knight.

Sue married Rodger Fender December 26, 1962, and they spent 64 wonderful years together. Their story began in sixth grade at Elementary School in Arcadia, where they shared classrooms through ninth grade. Their paths crossed again in the early 1960s, and they both knew they were meant to be together for a lifetime. After they were married, Rodger completed his Army tour of duty, then returned to Arcadia and built a life together rooted in love to each other, service to others, and a deep commitment to their community.

Sue was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and a friend to many. Her faith was at the heart of her life; she loved the Lord and cherished her church. That devotion was reflected in the love she gave so generously to her family and friends. Those closest to her will remember the warmth of her presence and the importance she placed on the people she held dear. When Debbie and Brian were children and teens, she was constantly on the move driving them and their friends to community and church activities, acting as chaperone to youth camps during the summer, and working in Vacation Bible School. If you went to Fender’s Auto Parts in Nocatee, you most likely would see her at work any day of the week. She loved people and was always ready to help where and when she was needed.

Sue is survived by her beloved husband, Rodger B. Fender; her daughter, Deborah Anne Gibbs and her son, R. Brian Fender and his wife Kimberly. She was a loving grandmother to Deborah’s children, Sara, Andrew, Paul, Luke, Nathaniel, Anna, and Philip, and to Brian’s children, Laren and Brennen. She was a loving great grandmother to Andrew’s children Lavender and Malakai. She is also survived by her sister Jacquita Hauserman Wydock and her husband Robert; her brother, Bernard Gohree Knight and his wife Eleanor; and her sister Leota Fussell Latimer and her husband John. She was a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews, each of whom held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Oleta Watson and brother-in-law, Ronald Watson; her sister-in-law, Anna Knight; her brother-in-law, Lynn Fussell; and her son-in-law Ken Alan Gibbs.

Sue and Rodger loved to travel, especially when their adventures included a cruise. Her life was filled with faith, family, and treasured moments shared with those she loved. Sue’s kindness and devotion will be deeply missed, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

The services for Lotah Sue Fender will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 48 North 15th Avenue, Arcadia, Florida on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. with the service following at 11:00 a.m.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Sue Fender be made to Gator Wilderness Camp or to Calvary Baptist Church.