Susan Jane Propst of Morganton, NC passed from this life on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at her home. She was born in Morganton on May 25, 1955 and was the daughter of the late G.B. Propst and Betty Hoyle Rusmisell Propst. Susan's sister Ann Shook of Morganton and her aunt Aileen Propst McNeely of Morganton also preceded her in death.
She is survived by her brother, Mike Propst and wife Hilary of Poquoson, Virginia; nieces, Amy Shook and husband Heikki Korpilahti of Lahti, Finland, Sarah Shook Schwab and her children, Gavin Pendley and Nathan Schwab of Lexington, KY; cousins, Beth Edney of Morganton, Steve Rusmisell of Atlanta, GA, Sally Fisher Smith of Raleigh, Jane Fisher of Buffalo, NY, Maranda McQuage and Patrick McQuage of Raeford, NC, and many dear friends.
In Susan's world friends were treated as family. She loved her church family and was confident in her faith. She often spoke of the hope of Jesus Christ's return, a new body that does not fail, and of being together again with her loved ones and with the Lord Jesus Christ. Susan will be remembered as a loving, loyal, generous, and faithful friend. Memories of her will be cherished.
Susan graduated from Morganton High School in 1973. The 50th year reunion, which was this past November, was a highlight for her. She was so excited about it. When the day finally arrived, she glowed with happiness. A
special thanks to all who helped her prepare for and to attend that event.
After high school Susan attended UNC-Chapel Hill and earned a BA in Intermediate Education. She taught in the Chapel Hill area for two years immediately after graduation, then set off for other adventures. She relocated to Chicago and worked proof reading and editing for a couple of years. From there she took part in a Christian leadership program and lived in several different states until in the early 80s, when she returned to Morganton. In 1988 she resumed her teaching career. Susan earned her Master’s in Reading Education from Appalachian State University in 2000, and continued teaching in Burke County, Caldwell County and lastly Hickory City schools until her declining health led her to retire in 2010. She loved teaching children to love to read. She remained an avid reader her whole life. Her favorite topics were all things Bible, cozy mysteries, any books featuring talking animals (Joe Grey and Mrs. Murphy especially), and southern mysteries. She had a special fondness for all things Labrador Retriever, and she loved the beautiful mountains of North Carolina.
A celebration of Susan's life will be held in those beautiful North Carolina mountains at a later date. Family and friends will all be invited.
Donations in memory of Susan may be made to these charities if desired. Crossnore Communities for Children, PO Box 249, Crossnore, NC 28616 or at www.Crossnore.org or The Humane Society of Burke County, Friends for Animals, PO BOX 1884, Morganton, NC 28680.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Such a treasure! She was God's best!
I met Susan during my college years. We were teenagers even though I was a couple of years older. We got to know each other because she was serving on a summer Christian program with my boyfriend at the time who became my husband. We spent a lot of time talking during those days and she was a great support to him and a big fan of his leadership. Throughout the years we maintained contact most especially when people we had as friends in common came into our worlds one way or the other. I think every person who knew her was aware of her ability to connect people with each other. It was hard for her to put on the brakes because she had such an attachment to those in her world and we all knew that if we needed information we could put Susan to the task and she would find the missing pieces. She was a tremendous woman. Smart, kind, willing, and curious. She will be missed. she was loved.
Susan was the epitome of a lifelong friend. We met in elementary school and graduated from high school together, along with the most incredible group of classmates. Although we rarely saw each other in person, she made sure that we remained in contact through the years. She was a master communicator and originally kept in touch via letters and phone calls. With the advent of the internet and social media, she really blossomed into an invaluable source of news, memories, and friendship. She will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. We will meet again!
Dear family. My sympathy on the passing of Susan! I didn't know her well, but I knew her well enough to enjoy her sweet personality as I worked in the BCPS. She was alway kind and pleasant - a great educator! Blessings as you move forward without her. Nancy Ferguson Brown, Morganton,NC
I am so sorry for the family's loss. I met Susan when she hired turning point services to help her when she broke her leg. I kept in touch with her and would visit when I could. She was a very sweet friend. She will be missed With deepest sympathy, Rosemary and Ryann Gallegos
Susan and I were friends for at least 50+ years. She had a kind heart and a gentle spirit. And I will miss her until, I too, cross the Great Divide and see her again. Love and condolences to all of her family and friends.
So sorry to hear of Susan's passing. She and I were high school classmates, and I enjoyed seeing her at our recent 50th High School Class Reunion. I know of no friendlier, more upbeat person. I had a career in the Navy, and took the cruiser I commanded through an overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co. Susan thought that was interesting in that her brother Mike worked for "The Yard". At any rate, Susan was an exceptionally nice person and we all mourn her passing. Deepest condolences to her family.
You were a part of my life as far back as I can remember. Loosing you is like loosing a part of my soul. I thank God that you have no more pain and no more suffering to take a breath. You will be missed. I will look to your faithful stand on God's Word for an example and encouragement. As you, awaiting the return.
I have known Susan since l was 16 years old (now l am 66).Susan and l we're in the same Biblical Research Ministry.The Propst lived within walking distance of my family.l was at an event called Sound Out 84,Susan was there.l was treated unkindly by a friend.God put Susan in my path(not even knowing what was going on ) Susan gave me a huge hug.l was so blessed by this.
I remember Susan as a very sweet and caring person!