Susan Roberta Ashley Wilson, of Durham, passed away on April 12, 2023
following a period of declining health. She is dearly loved and will be deeply missed.
Susan is survived by her husband of 52 years, Albert Dillon Wilson, her son Benjamin
Ashley Wilson, her sister and brother-in-law Melissa Ashley Riggsbee and James
Riggsbee, and her niece and nephew David Thaddeus Riggsbee and Laura Riggsbee
Castellucci.
Susan Wilson was a talented pianist leaning towards jazz, a dedicated artist
manager, and a passionate advocate for arts and music. She helped bring countless
hours of enjoyment to thousands during her thirty years in the Music Department at
Duke University. She worked alongside such talents as Arturo Ciompi, Mary Lou
Williams, and Nicholas Kitchen. In her personal time, Susan loved to entertain her
community; she played piano regularly at Sassy’s in Loehmann’s Plaza, Hope Valley
Country Club, and at several local churches. She loved to share her gift, and was most
at home behind the keys.
Susan was born on September 29th, 1949 in Williamston, N.C. to Joseph
Thaddeus Ashley and Doris Chesley Price Ashley. The family moved to Durham soon
after, and between her home Baptist church and music teachers at Brogden and
Durham High, Susan fell in love with music. She left home for Appalachian State
University, received a degree from Mitchell Community College, and then returned with
her husband to raise a family here. While raising her son and advancing her career,
Susan earned a BA in Arts Management from Salem College. Her family and traditions
were central to her, and her curiosity led her to a love of research and genealogy.
Susan’s tireless sifting and clever networking allowed her to trace her family line back
to Tudor England, a fact she shared with pride. She was a natural storyteller,
meticulous with details, and through her words and music she reached out to share joy
with those around her.
Susan was a great encouragement to all in the family, a wonderful listener, and we
won’t ever forget all the love and support she gave to us all.
A memorial service is being planned for 9/30/23 at 1pm. The Wilson family is
proudly being served by Hall-Wynne Funeral Home, 1113 West Main Street, Durham,
NC 27701.
Saturday, September 30, 2023
1:00 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Hall-Wynne Funeral Service
Saturday, September 30, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Hall-Wynne Funeral Service
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