Suzanne Latham Carter

Obituary

Suzanne Latham Carter, a deeply beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 77. In her final moments, she was held by her husband of 57 years, David Michael Carter, and her daughter, Lindsay Gerard Carter, at the Hospice Solace Center in Asheville, North Carolina.

Born on August 18, 1947, to L.H. and Mabel Nell Latham in Owensboro, Kentucky, Suzy grew up as a cherished daughter and sister, grounded in family and community values. She often reminisced about the many animals she had as a child, including dogs, ducks, parakeets, a pony, and, later, rabbits, hamsters, and more ducks. Suzy excelled academically and was highly engaged in many community activities. In 1964, she was crowned ‘Miss Daviess County Fair.’

While recovering from a life-threatening car accident in 1968 while attending the University of Kentucky, Suzy met her future husband, David. It was love at first sight. They married in 1969 in Washington, D.C., and moved several times before settling permanently in Asheville, North Carolina. Their daughter, Lindsay, was born in 1982. Suzy was an extraordinarily dedicated, loving, and joyful mother.

Professionally, Suzy enjoyed a celebrated career as a teacher, beloved by both students and coworkers. Her passion and skill left a lasting impact on her school community. She most recently served as a Social Studies teacher at Reynolds Middle.

In her personal life, Suzy loved to travel with her husband. Some of their favorite destinations included Grand Teton and Glacier National Parks, the Galapagos Islands, Bonaire, and Cinque Terre in Italy, as well as their second home on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. She also greatly enjoyed gardening, playing tennis, volunteering, and spending time with friends. Suzy truly cherished her roles as a wife, mother, and doting grandmother.

A radiant beauty inside and out, Suzy was a true force in the lives of those she loved. She had a unique ability to make people feel valued, seen, and understood, especially through difficult times. Suzy embodied kindness, empathy, and, above all, an unwavering authenticity. Her sunny disposition, wit, humor, and constant reminders to appreciate the small beauties in life uplifted everyone who knew her.

Suzy is survived by her devoted husband, David; her daughter, Lindsay; her granddaughter, Susanna; her brothers, Scott (Kathy) and Stuart (Carla) Latham; and nieces and nephews Joshua Latham, Julie Lloyd, Cameron Latham, Hope Strubler, and Harrison and John Deemer. Her memory will live on through her family and many dear and loyal friends, whose lives have been enriched by her love and support.

Messages of Comfort

"For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow."
- Romans 8:38

"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love."
- Corinthians 1:13

"For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
- Corinthians 2:5

Gallery

Memory wall

February 8, 2026

I did not meet Suzy until this past year, but I knew a kindred spirit at once. It was if I’d always known her. I got to spend a lot of time talking with her and it was such a gift. She was such a bright star that no physical limitation could truly conquer her indomitable spirit and the power of her love for living (raison d’etra). Even in the last few months, she could spend hours waxing poetic over autumn leaves, any flower, her breakfast, and any photo of her granddaughter ever taken. Suzy was a gift to those of us who were blessed to share in her wisdom and delight and this transition was deeply, deeply felt. You are so missed, my friend, but I know you wanted to see those where you are going. 🕊️🕊️🕊️❤️🌈

Pinna Styers

February 4, 2026

I only had the pleasure of knowing Suzy during their early years in DC but as a close friend of David in college and our time in DC I can attest to the joy she brought to David and obviously to her family, friends and students. I am sad for David and the rest of the family but at the same time comforted by knowing how many precious memories she gave them.

Doug Jenkins

February 3, 2026

I was only blessed to know Suzy during the last few years, but felt as though I had known her much longer, through stories and pictures she shared so generously. She had a lovely laugh which she shared often. She was extremely witty and her beautiful smile was contagious. Her tremendous love was felt by all, especially her family. My heart is heavy with her passing, but memories of her kind and gentle spirit, and the sound of her laughter will be with me always.

Ona B Hensley

February 3, 2026

Suzy was a dear friend for almost 30 years. Our homes adjoined and soon so did our lives. It was a blessing to have known her! Suzy was an upbeat, giggly, joyful woman, celebrating flowers, garden fairies, coffees, children of all ages, and any opportunity for fun! She was full of love for God, David, Lindsay & Patrick, Susanna, all her of her family, and all of her friends.

Susan Mackintosh

January 31, 2026

My heart is so full of sadness right now. Dennis and I shared so many memories with David and Suzy when we were younger. The years we shared in D.C. and the struggles of night law school for David and Dennis and yet those years and memories remain some of the best memories of my life. And one of the best memories is of Thanksgiving visit from D,C. In 1968 from David and Dennis. They each had brought with them an engagement ring one for me and one for Suzy. What a memory to share with special friends.
The years have passed all too quickly, but the memories are everlasting.
Sending my love to David, Lindsay and family.
Carmen

Carmen Dearing

January 30, 2026

Suzy was officially my mom’s best friend and what a role model she was for the joys of friendship. She was sparkling, beloved, and popular; I was enchanted that my mom got to have best friend status with her.

Unofficially Suzy was my fairy godmother. Like a Disney movie mom, she was beautiful and sweet, yet had a toothsome wit; her house was divine, full of love and animals and perfect snacks. I never wanted to leave.

Growing up, Suzy remembered my every birthday. I would be invited over for a party - with sweets and presents that were perfectly picked and wrapped and with the kindest note in her exquisite penmanship.
As I got older, Suzy’s love and interest never faltered. She’d whisk me in the house and sit me down on the couch, “Miegy, how ARE you? How’s high school? How’s college? Congratulations on your marriage! I’m so sorry abt the miscarriage. Oh Miegy, you got your beautiful babies…” At 48, I still remember how magical life was in her company and how truly special and loved she made me feel.

Miegan Riddle

January 30, 2026

A beauty inside and out, Suzy brought a gleeful smile to the world. I loved her giggle and the wonderful chuckle that burst out when a joke caught her by surprise. She loved finding treasures in her yard and putting them into the hands of others. Part of her legacy will be remembering the joy Suzy found in little things and the love she so generously shared. We miss her.
Love to David, Lindsay, and Susanna
Debby & Bill Wolcott

Debby Wolcott

January 30, 2026

You know you are in the company of a special person when you witness animals naturally gravitate to that person above all others. Suzy's easy smile invited in the 2 legged as well and I so enjoyed the small bits of time I was able to share with her in the past few months.

Lisa Laney

January 30, 2026

I had the privilege of meeting Suzy later in her life. She was vibrant woman, full of zeal for life. Feisty, always ready for a good joke and chuckle. She had a deep appreciation for beauty and nature, collecting leaves and flowers to press or keep handy on her end table. She was very articulate and good at carrying a conversation and expressing her feelings. An avid reader, she could spend hours reading the paper or clipping out articles from magazines to save for later. I’ll always remember her when I see clementines. She could never get enough of them and would often tuck one away in her walker or pocket for later. One of my favorite things to do with her was help her get dressed and ready for the day after a shower. She loved getting her hair blow-dried and styled. She would close her eyes and ooo and ahhh and would say it felt so good, it should be a sin! She was extremely thoughtful, and most days when I would go to leave, she would want to give me something. “Oh, please take a rose from my bouquet.” Or, “let me see what can I send you home with.” She was greatly loved by all and her memory will live on in our hearts. 💖

Karen Florian

January 30, 2026

The first time I ever met, Suzanne was in her daughter’s backyard for the third birthday of her namesake, her granddaughter, Susanna. I immediately loved her. I was almost wooed by her gentle sweet kind, southern manner. She was smiling constantly with beautiful white hair- she was gorgeous. Every time I saw her after that was the same thing: com, happy intelligent woman who answered questions somehow non-assertively while providing a deeply thoughtful answer. Her innate way of interacting with people was very much the way of a great teacher: seeking to connect with you and to incorporate your feelings as well.

I actually only got to be in person with her a few times, but the last few years she was on my mind often, because she was on the mind as my dear friend, Lindsay almost every minute. I have never witnessed such devotion from a child to a parent as I did from Lindsay to her mother (and father). Care for her mother was Lindsay‘s utmost concern, and she took it on with all of the effort and love one word for their child (while simultaneously carrying in the same manner for her own child). When home, Lindsay was off on her phone overseeing the details of the care of her mother- a very big job. I can’t count the number of times Lindsay packed up herself and sometimes two dogs and her daughter to drive to Asheville to be with her parents. When school vacations arrived she would go and stay there, bringing little Susanna to be with them, working for them while she was there. Such an act of love. Lindsay insured that her daughter had so much time with her mother.

I’m glad she received all the love that she did. From what I know, she gave at least that much. I am glad she is at peace now.

Sending love to Lindsay and her Father.

Julie P

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