Obituary of Susan Lorraine Whitlow

Susan Vernon Whitlow, 65, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2023. She was born on September 29, 1958, in Coronado, California, to Everett Louis "Mickey" Vernon, CDR (ret) and Norma Jean "Sally" Gordon Vernon.

Susan attended Chapel Hill High School, graduating in the class of 1976. She continued her education at UNC Chapel Hill, where she graduated in the class of 1982.

Susan dedicated her career to serving others as a Payroll Administrator at the Autism Society of North Carolina. Her contributions to the organization made a positive impact on countless lives.

She is survived by her husband, Alfred "Lee" Whitlow, Jr, her sister, Pamela Vernon Peaks (Eric Sr.) nephew, Eric D. Peaks, Jr., her niece, Dawn L. Peaks, her great-nephew, Derek Boykins, Jr. and four aunts, Leslie Valentine (John), Shelley Keller, Diana Brown (Jim) and Mary Radick. 

Susan was preceded in death by her father, Everett Louis "Mickey" Vernon, and her mother, Norma Jean "Sally" Gordon Vernon. Her parents love and guidance shaped her into the independent person she was.

A funeral service to honor Susan's life will be held at Walker's Funeral Home in Mebane, North Carolina on January 6th with visitation from 11:00a-12 noon and service starting at 12:15pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Autism Society of North Carolina, The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, or Duke Hospice.

The Whitlow and Peaks family would like to recognize her Autism work family and many friends for their incredible support.  A special thank you to the staff at Carolina Reserve of Durham for the amazing care and love they provided to Susan during her courageous battle. In addition, they would like to express gratitude to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke and Duke Hospice for their compassionate careduring her illness.  

Susan's family and friends will forever cherish the memories they shared with her and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May she rest in peace.