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Sue Bowles Wilson Talley died on Oct. 6, 2021, from Myelodysplastic Syndrome complications.

Survivors: her daughters, Tonya Proctor (son-in-law Michael and grandsons Luke and Gabe) of Apex, and Tracey Horton (son-in-law Tony, granddaughter Jordan and husband Brad Brown, grandson Zack and granddaughter Lauren) of Denver, NC; stepchildren, Lisa Altobelli (son-in-law Mark and granddaughter MaryAnne and husband Joe Watts) of Beltsville, Md., David Talley (daughter-in-law Christine and grandsons Drew and Kevin) of San Bernardino, Calif. and Suzanne McMahan (son-in-law Jerry and sons Kyle, Hayden and Logan) of Indian Trail; sisters, LaVerne Holder and Joyce Bowles of Mocksville, and Ruby Thompson of Greensboro.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Malcolm (2015); best friend Jane Guerreri (2021); granddaughter Sarah Jean Tatum (2015); brothers Earl Norman Bowles (2018) and Arnold Bowles (2004); and parents Earl Thurman and Frankie Bowles.

From Cooleemee to Stonewall, Miss. to Wilmington, to Apex, “Mama Sue”, as she was affectionately called sowed seeds of happiness and cheerfulness.  Whether you were a colleague or student in the Clarke County School System, New Hanover County School System, an acquaintance in the real estate world, a golfing buddy, a childhood friend from Davie County, or a friend of one of her children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews, you could all count on her to lend a hand, share a smile or impart some wisdom.

Shopping, cooking, Tar-Heeling, Wolfpacking and completing even the most insoluble jigsaw puzzles were the norm. The consummate grandchild sports fan, she never missed a soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, softball, or wrestling event. Not only was she cheering on her grandchildren, she knew every team members’ name and cheered for them as well.

The family will share service arrangements to celebrate her life in the coming weeks.

Memorials: Harbor Way Gardens and Children’s Fountain, Wrightsville Beach, (https://www.harborislandgardenclub.com/donate.html). A college scholarship fund will be set up in her memory for a deserving NC high school student; details will be shared in the future.