Sue Bowles Talley

Sue leaves behind her beloved daughters Tonya Proctor (son-in-law Michael and grandsons Luke and Gabe) of Apex, NC, and Tracey Horton (son-in-law Tony, granddaughter Jordan and husband Brad Brown, grandson Zack and granddaughter Lauren) of Denver, NC. She also leaves behind her stepchildren Lisa Altobelli (son-in-law Mark and granddaughter MaryAnne and husband Joe Watts) of Beltsville, MD, David Talley (daughter-in-law Christine and grandsons Drew and Kevin) of San Bernardino, CA and Suzanne McMahan (son-in-law Jerry and sons Kyle, Hayden and Logan) of Indian Trail, NC. Sue is also survived by her dear sisters LaVerne Holder and Joyce Bowles of Mocksville, NC, and Ruby Thompson of Greensboro, NC.

In heaven, Sue joins her husband Malcolm (2015), best friend Jane Guerreri (2021), granddaughter Sarah Jean Tatum (2015), and brothers Earl Norman Bowles (2018) and Arnold Bowles (2004), and parents Earl Thurman and Frankie Bowles to share a laugh, a cry and maybe a glass of wine, watching from afar wonderful friends who will no doubt remember, celebrate and reminisce about beautiful memories, left by a beautiful soul.

From Cooleemee, NC, to Stonewall, MS, to Wilmington, NC, to Apex, NC, “Mama Sue”, as she was affectionately called by all who knew her, sowed the seeds of happiness and cheerfulness everywhere she landed. Whether you were a colleague or student in the Clarke County School System, New Hanover County School System, an acquaintance in the real estate world, a golfing buddy, a childhood friend from Davie County, or a friend of one of her children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, you could all count on Mama Sue to lend a hand, share a smile or impart some wisdom.

If you knew Mama Sue, you knew she had a way of including you in her life. You might have thought you were part of her clan, her network, her clique, her circle. The truth is, whether you knew it or not, you were part of Mama Sue’s ‘family’ – which included her loved ones and oh, that Brandi!

Shopping, cooking, Tar-Heeling, Wolfpacking and completing even the most insoluble jigsaw puzzles were the norm. The consummate grandchild sports fan, Mama Sue never missed a soccer, basketball, baseball, tennis, softball, or wrestling event. She would gladly travel wherever she needed to, just to be there. Not only was she cheering on her grandchildren, she knew every team member’s name and cheered for them as well!

We’re sure that Mama Sue was met at the gates of heaven by angels who let her know that her life had just begun. We also have a suspicion that Mama Sue wouldn’t want us to cry because her life is over, but instead to smile because it happened. And no doubt she’s smiling from above too because so many of us were part of her life. Correction: ‘family’.

We’ll miss her smile and that genuine laugh. And although she may be gone, she’ll always be ‘right there’, guiding us with reminders of her presence each and every day.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 13th, 2021 from 1:00pm - 3:00pm at

207 S Salem St, Apex, NC 27502 (Behind Triangle Home Team Realty Office). A graveside service followed by reception in the Fellowship Hall will be on Sunday, November 14th, 2021 at 1:00pm at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 1994 US-158, Mocksville, NC 27028.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Harbor Way Gardens and Children’s Fountain, Wrightsville Beach, NC (https://www.harborislandgardenclub.com/donate.html). Alternatively, a college scholarship fund will be set up in Sue’s memory for a deserving NC high school student; details will be shared in the future.