Susan Wilson Hilton, a long-time resident of Blowing Rock and a retired faculty member of Appalachian State University died June 10, 2023. She is survived by her children, Katherine Hilton, and her husband Seth Jason, and step-son James Hilton, his wife, Molly, and their children, Michael and Meghan.

Sue was born in Deland, Florida, to Jurelle Mason Wilson and Robert Henry Wilson, Jr. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and received Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Theater from Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. In 1964, Sue married Loyd Hilton, a professor of English, and in 1969 the family moved to North Carolina when Loyd accepted a position at Appalachian State University. Loyd served as chairperson of the department of English and Sue fulfilled her career ambitions teaching many of her intellectual interests in several academic departments.

Sue's first passion was acting, which she did very successfully in college and afterwards. However, she spent her professional career as a spirited and inspiring teacher, first for high school students in DeLand, Florida, until 1968, and then for college students at Appalachian State University's Communications Department and Watauga College until retiring in 1992. The courses she taught reflected her wide interests and passions - speech, theater, and specialized courses created from her love of the humanities. Known as an inspiring and challenging teacher, the sign over the door of her high-school class room said "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here!" Many of her speech class students recall her use of a clicker to stop the random use of the word "like" when delivering their assigned speeches. Some of those students have stayed in touch with her over the years - such is the impact of a gifted and dedicated teacher for whom learning was a joy that never stopped.

Sue and Loyd shared a love of travel. During their life together they traveled extensively in Europe with several visits to Greece, one of Sue's favorite destinations. They also led several ASU student groups to Greece, England and Europe. After retirement, they spent several weeks each year in Hawaii, another favorite locale. Avid golfers, Loyd and Sue played in Hawaii as well as favorite courses in South Carolina and the High Country. Wherever they went and whatever they saw, Sue enthusiastically soaked up every aspect of every place, learning all the way.

As any of them will happily confirm, Sue greatly loved her family and friends. She was a wonderful, encouraging and proud mother to Katherine and a fond mother-in-law to Seth. To her friends she was always ready to share a smile, a laugh and a talk, and to get together anywhere – picnics on the creek, lunches at favorite spots, evenings on the deck and the famous Christmas parties and croquet tournaments held at her Blowing Rock home. Her friends were her strength and the source of much joy and laughter.

As any of them will happily confirm, Sue greatly loved her family and friends. She was a wonderful, encouraging and proud mother to Katherine and a fond mother-in-law to Seth.  She will be very much missed by step-son James Hilton, his wife Molly, their son Mike, daughter Meghan, son-in-law Michael, and grandson Evermore.  To her friends she was always ready to share a smile, a laugh and a talk, and to get together anywhere – picnics on the creek, lunches at favorite spots, evenings on the deck and the famous Christmas parties and croquet tournaments held at her Blowing Rock home. Her friends were her strength and the source of much joy and laughter.

Sue believed that a life well lived is one filled with passion and enthusiasm. Her life was filled with both. To her family and friends, she was a force of nature. Words from a song by singer/songwriter Mack Bailey very aptly sum up what Sue's long life was about – she will be missed:

"Put it in High Gear

Don't let your wheels just turn

Put it in High Gear

And make that fire burn

Lay your life before you

Be a teacher while you learn

Put it in High Gear

And make that fire burn."

A memorial service for Sue will be held at a future date. The family asks that memorial gifts in her honor be made to causes that support human dignity and freedom of choice, both important to Sue.

Online condolences may be sent to the Hilton family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.