Susan Waller Abernethy

Mrs. Susan Waller Abernethy, 76, of Salisbury, NC passed away surrounded by loved ones on June 29, 2024. Susan was born on February 10, 1948, to Frances and J. L. Raymond Waller in Salisbury. After graduating from Boyden High School in 1966 she received her associate degree from Salisbury Business College. Ultimately, she found her passion working in education where she touched countless lives during her more than 30 years as an assistant teacher at Knollwood Elementary. During this time, she also served the community as PTO president, volunteer election worker, usher for Piedmont Players and as a member of the Salisbury Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) team. She was swept off her feet by the late Charles Leslie Abernethy of Salisbury after he rescued her from a bad date, and in 1973 they tied the knot. The two were married for 24 years at the time of his death in 1997. Together they had four children who have always been her greatest source of pride. After retiring from Knollwood, she spent her time doting on grandchildren both near and far, caring for family members and connecting with friends. She loved her church family at Grace Lutheran where she spent time in the choir, volunteered on the altar guild, taught Sunday and summer Bible school, volunteered at Godstock and was a member of the Circle of Hope. Additionally, she participated in the “Witness of Grace” Easter performance for several years, a testimony to her faith. A lifetime fan of “good ‘ole rock and roll”, she was quick to sing anything by the Beatles and liked to keep up with the latest hits. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she loved to cook and delighted in preparing meals for family and friends, as well as trying her best to educate her children in proper techniques and tricks for serving southern delights. Susan was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister Sylvia Hamilton. She is survived by her brother J Linn R Waller (Jeanette), her children: Melinda Abernethy (Lauren), Brad Abernethy (Kira), Katie Hamann (Joe) and Corey Abernethy (Kate), grandchildren: Charlie, Reed, Ava, Kaiya, Jude and Twins on the way; as well as her faithful canine companion, Maxwell. Services will be held at Grace Lutheran Church on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at 2 pm. Visitation with the family to follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Grace Lutheran Church, Piedmont Players Theater, or the Humane Society of Rowan County. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Abernethy family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Susan Waller Abernethy

February 10, 1948 - June 29, 2024