Susan Camilla Beard Wise

WEAVERVILLE – Susan Camilla Beard Wise, 58 years old, was born on February 8, 1966, to the late Kenneth and Nancy Murphy Beard. She fought a courageous battle against Ovarian Cancer, for almost 4 years. Susan passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Susan graduated Valedictorian from West Caldwell High School in 1984. She then moved on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated in 1988 Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biology. She married her husband, Brent Wise, in 1988 and they moved to Birmingham, Alabama. Here Susan attended the University of Alabama and graduated as a Doctor of Optometry in 1992. They moved back to the beautiful North Carolina Mountains, where she was an Optometrist in Mars Hill, NC for more than 30 years. She loved her job, her work colleagues, and especially, the people of the North Carolina Mountains. She was also a lover of travel and was able to explore 5 continents before her death. She was an avid hiker, snow skier, cyclist, kayaker, and she loved her sauna. Her greatest pride and joy were her three beloved sons, whom she considered her life's most meaningful achievement.

She is preceded in death by her younger brother, Matthew Beard; mother, Nancy Beard; and father, Kenneth Beard.

She is survived by her husband Brent; three sons, Benjamin 28, Lucas 25, and Jacob 22, of Weaverville, NC; her younger sister, Celia Hodges (Greg) of Mt. Airy, NC; her older brothers, Jon Beard (Gaby) of Collettsville, NC and Chris Beard (Sandi) of Boone, NC; her nephew, Cody Hodges (Stacey); and nieces, Lauren Fredrick (Ryan), Lenora Beard, Leanna Beard, Madie Wise-Newton (Xander), and Gracie Swicegood (Caden).

A Memorial Service and celebration of Susan's life will be held at St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Lenoir, NC on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Susan’s honor may be made to ocrahope.org (Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance).

West Family Funeral Services is honored to be serving Susan’s family. Condolences may be offered to the family under her obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.