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.
