Karen Sue (Sherrill) Van Malssen

Born on October 7, 1952 in Omaha, Nebraska, Sue was the daughter of the late Toy Zane Sherrill Jr. and Mary Cornelia Herbin Sherrill. She graduated from South Mecklenburg High School and later earned an accounting degree at Central Piedmont Community College. A long time resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, it was there that she met and married the love of her life, Steve Van Malssen. After devotedly raising their children, Griffin and Hannah, Sue worked for Capitol Broadcasting Company as the credit manager at WJZY-TV in Charlotte.

Sue’s greatest joy was her family. She and Steve were married for nearly 53 years. They were the parents of two children and in recent years were blessed with two young grandchildren, Sepp and Wells. In the course of their marriage, Sue and Steve cared for and loved four dogs: three dachshunds and a loyal corgi.

Sue was a terrific mother. She was always there to support all of her children’s passions and efforts. She often penned beautifully handwritten notes and cards to her children and friends. Birthdays and Christmas were always made very special. She loved to shop for just the right gifts to celebrate the big occasions – and quite often life’s little moments, too.

An avid gardener, Sue enjoyed growing and tending to her plants. Those plants beautified her wonderful home, a place she built and decorated to be a warm and welcoming gathering place for her family.

Sue enjoyed great times on vacation. She was especially fond of going to Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. and Wild Dunes, S.C. with her family and close friends.

She is survived by her sister, Barbara Sherrill, who was a loving, caring sister and a great comfort to Sue in her final days. Sue also had a brother, Richard Zane Sherrill.

Sue will be well remembered for her selfless devotion as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, her dry and infectious wit, and her giving heart.

A private funeral will be held at the time of her internment.

For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider the Murdoch Center Chapel in Butner, N.C. (1600 E C St, Butner, NC 27509) or Samaritan’s Purse’s support of Hurricane Helene relief in western North Carolina.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com