Sue Walser

Ella Sue Carter Walser passed away at her home on December 18, 2018. She was born in Arlington Virginia March 14, 1942, daughter of James Lowry Carter and Isabelle Snipes Carter. Her family, including three younger siblings, moved to Salisbury when she was 14.



Sue attended Boyden (Salisbury) High School where she met the love of her life, Bert Walser. She graduated from St. Andrew's College and married Bert in 1963, returning to Salisbury where she began teaching at West Rowan High School. To her last days, Sue said that teaching the fine young men and women of West Rowan was one of the greatest privileges of her life.



She and Bert moved to Statesville in 1968, when Bert opened the Statesville office for Mid-State Oil Company. They had two children, Adam and Jason, and Sue spent time at home with them before working again as a teacher in pre-school, opening the Surry House gift shop, and eventually going to work as the manager of King's Grant Retirement Community in 1983. She served the residents there for more than 24 years.



In 2003 Bert died unexpectedly, and she had to rebuild her life, which she did with dignity and passion.



Sue was active at First Presbyterian Church (serving in many leadership roles), volunteered with many nonprofit organizations (with a special love for her work with the Statesville Community Foundation), and tried to never miss her book or garden club gatherings. She was also very proud of her involvement with Art in Bloom and Mitchell College.



She loved travelling, reading, and learning throughout her life, but may best be remembered for her skills at entertaining and caring for others. She also loved flowers, wildlife, and anything "blue and white." But more than anything, she loved her family - especially her three grandchildren.



She was fortunate enough to find a second love of her life in Tom Allison, whom she dated for 13 years.



Sue was preceded in death by her parents, husband Albert Walser, special friend Thomas A. Allison, and brother Robert Carter. She is survived by her son Adam (wife Lucy and daughter Sally), son Jason (wife Tracy, son Ian, and daughter Autumn), sister Donna Carter Myers, and brother James Lowry Carter, Jr., as well as several nephews and nieces.



During the last months and years of her life, she developed a special love for Emily Fultz, Robin Jenkins, and Dekota Sharpe who gave her laughter, independence, joy, and dignity. Her family will remain forever grateful for their dedication to and love for Sue.



A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Statesville on Friday, December 21, at 3:00 pm. A reception and visitation with family will be held immediately after the service. A private family burial will be held at Oakwood Cemetery,



In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her honor to the First Presbyterian Church of Statesville, 125 N. Meeting St. Statesville, 28677; the Iredell Community Foundation Endowment Fund, 220 N. Tryon St. Charlotte, 28202; or The Salvation Army of Iredell County, 1361 Caldwell St., Statesville, NC 28677. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.



Donations may be made to:

First Presbyterian Church125 N. Meeting St., Statesville NC 28677Salvation Army of Iredell County1361 Caldwell Street, Statesville NC 28677Iredell Commnunity Foundation Endowment Fund220 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte NC 28202