Obituary of Sue Quail Meyer

Sue Quail Meyer, age 84, died Sunday, January 10, 2021 at her home in Chapel Hill from complications of metastatic breast cancer.
 

Sue was born in Topeka, Kansas, on August 21, 1936. She attended Washburn University of Topeka for two years before marrying Philip Meyer. They met in the newsroom of the Topeka Daily Capital, where she had a part-time job writing wedding stories, and he was the assistant state editor. They married in Topeka 64 years ago, on August 5, 1956. Their wedding trip brought them to Chapel Hill where Phil had been accepted for graduate study in political science.  Sue worked in retail sales of classic women’s clothing for Elizabeth “Beppie” Branson’s Little Shop on Franklin St.  The first of their four daughters was born here. 

Their second daughter was born in Miami and the younger two in Washington, D.C.  She and Phil returned to Chapel Hill when he joined the journalism faculty of U.N.C. in 1981.

Throughout her life Sue selflessly served others as a volunteer. While living in Chapel Hill she supported the efforts of Chapel of the Cross in its annual ABC Sale, the AIDS Service Agency of Orange County, SECU Family House, and Chapel Hill High School. In 2000 she received the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service by Governor Jim Hunt. She also worked for the North Carolina Board of Elections as a poll worker. Over the years Sue supported many causes to promote social justice, political action, and women’s rights. She attended the March on Washington in 1963, and was involved with Planned Parenthood, The Democratic Party, and Neighbors Inc, which resisted redlining in Washington D.C. 
 

Sue and Phil’s world travels brought her much joy. Her outgoing personality, curious mind, and her kindness made her a wonderful traveling companion across six continents.

Sue is survived by her husband and lifelong friend Philip Meyer of Chapel Hill, her daughters of whom she was fiercely proud: Kathy Lucente (Steve) of Carrboro, Melissa Meyer of Miami, and Sarah Meyer (Teddy Salazar) of Durham; grandchildren Rachel Nelms, Amanda Niederauer Lukof, Jordan and Olivia Meyer-Massey, Sophia and Chloe Lucente, and Izzy and Theo Salazar; great-grandchildren Max, Molly and Micah Matthews, and her beloved cat, Lucy. Her family meant the world to her.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Quail and Helen Peppard Quail, and her daughter, Caroline Meyer.

Special thanks to UNC Hospice and Sue and Phil’s kind-hearted caregiver, Evelyn Buie. 

A private service will be held in the churchyard at Chapel of the Cross. Donations can be made in Sue’s name to The SECU Family House or to North Carolina Planned Parenthood.

Walker’s Funeral Home in Chapel Hill is assisting the family.