Suzanne Latham Carter

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. She is survived by her devoted husband, David; daughter, Lindsay Carter (Patrick Smith); her granddaughter, Susanna Smith; brothers, Scott (Kathy) Latham and Stuart (Carla) Latham; in-laws John, Jan, and Judy Carter; and nieces and nephews, Josh Latham, Julie Lloyd, Cameron Latham, Hope Strubler, Harrison Deemer, and John Deemer. A Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held April 16, 2026, from 4 until 6 p.m. at The Weaver House, 56 N. Main Street, Weaverville, NC. We will come together to share memories and stories and to honor Suzy's many gifts to family, friends, and community. While we mourn her loss, we also cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives. Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, Western Carolina Chapter (https://www.alz.org/northcarolina) or the Asheville Children's Well-Being League (https://www.cwl-asheville.org/). The family requests friends celebrate Suzy's beautiful life and heart and share stories, memories, and photographs of Suzy at www.online-tribute.com/SuzanneCarter

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Suzanne Latham Carter

August 18, 1947 - January 23, 2026