We are mourning with Susan and her family in the sudden death of her mother on Wednesday.
Obituary for Sharon Hughes Killian
Mrs. Sharon Hughes Killian, age 79, of Asheville, NC, passed away suddenly on February 26, 2025. She was born on January 24, 1946, in the loving home of Edmund Earl Hughes Jr. and Edith Polasek Hughes, who preceded her in death.
Sharon was the beloved wife of Charles Edwin Killian for 57 years. Together, they raised a family full of love and pride. She is survived by her husband, Charles; her daughters, Leigh Killian Altman (Allen) of Keller, TX, Susan Killian VanderKam (Jeffrey) of Princeton, NJ, Teresa Killian Tate (Jed) of Waynesville, NC; her son, Charles Edwin Killian, Jr. (Kristina) of Cary, NC; and her 10 grandchildren, Katie, James and Michael VanderKam, Anna and John Altman, David, Andre, and Aly Killian, and Samuel and Edie Rose Tate.
Sharon was also a loving sister to Kathy Bambach, Ed Hughes III, Dorothy Hovis, and Robert Hughes. She cherished her family deeply, and her nurturing presence will be greatly missed. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Thomas and David Hughes.
A proud alumna of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC-G), Sharon was part of the first co-ed class at the university in 1967. She earned her B.A. in Mathematics and went on to have a rewarding 25+ year career as a Math Instructor at A.B. Technical Community College, where she was the director and guiding force at the Guided Studies Math Lab.
Sharon was a dedicated member of the Women’s Guild and Adult Choir at St. Eugene Catholic Church and was known for her involvement in the PEO group, as well as her talent for quilting and heirloom sewing. Her contributions to the community and her family were countless, and her warm heart and kind spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
In addition to her work in education and community, Sharon’s passions extended to her family and her faith. She will be fondly remembered for her deep love for her family, her devotion to her church, and her tireless commitment to bettering the lives of others.
Visitation will take place from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Morris Funeral Home in Asheville, NC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Asheville, NC, on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with Reverend Patrick Cahill officiating. Graveside services will take place on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Gilkey United Methodist Church Cemetery in Rutherfordton, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the UNC-Greensboro Foundation or ABCCM Helene Relief Fund in honor of Sharon's legacy.
Sharon's family takes comfort in knowing she is at peace, surrounded by love, and that her memory will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her/
Sharon was the beloved wife of Charles Edwin Killian for 57 years. Together, they raised a family full of love and pride. She is survived by her husband, Charles; her daughters, Leigh Killian Altman (Allen) of Keller, TX, Susan Killian VanderKam (Jeffrey) of Princeton, NJ, Teresa Killian Tate (Jed) of Waynesville, NC; her son, Charles Edwin Killian, Jr. (Kristina) of Cary, NC; and her 10 grandchildren, Katie, James and Michael VanderKam, Anna and John Altman, David, Andre, and Aly Killian, and Samuel and Edie Rose Tate.
Sharon was also a loving sister to Kathy Bambach, Ed Hughes III, Dorothy Hovis, and Robert Hughes. She cherished her family deeply, and her nurturing presence will be greatly missed. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Thomas and David Hughes.
A proud alumna of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC-G), Sharon was part of the first co-ed class at the university in 1967. She earned her B.A. in Mathematics and went on to have a rewarding 25+ year career as a Math Instructor at A.B. Technical Community College, where she was the director and guiding force at the Guided Studies Math Lab.
Sharon was a dedicated member of the Women’s Guild and Adult Choir at St. Eugene Catholic Church and was known for her involvement in the PEO group, as well as her talent for quilting and heirloom sewing. Her contributions to the community and her family were countless, and her warm heart and kind spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
In addition to her work in education and community, Sharon’s passions extended to her family and her faith. She will be fondly remembered for her deep love for her family, her devotion to her church, and her tireless commitment to bettering the lives of others.
Visitation will take place from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Morris Funeral Home in Asheville, NC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Asheville, NC, on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with Reverend Patrick Cahill officiating. Graveside services will take place on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Gilkey United Methodist Church Cemetery in Rutherfordton, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the UNC-Greensboro Foundation or ABCCM Helene Relief Fund in honor of Sharon's legacy.
Sharon's family takes comfort in knowing she is at peace, surrounded by love, and that her memory will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her/
------------March 3 Susan sent me the link to the Livestream of the funeral mass so in between my doctor's appointment waiting, I watched that and then later at home. It was lovely--full of "hope," and the music was very nice. I was touched to see Katie, James and Michael take the elements along with their mom. I'm so glad they could be there to support Susan. By now, the burial has also taken place at a family plot and soon Jeff and Katie will be home--on the same flight tonight, Jeff said. Then Charles will be alone and how hard that will be. I could send him a card of sympathy to his house. Susan sent me a photo of the flowers so I know they arrived OK yesterday.
Recently I read A Grief Observed by C S Lewis in which he noted that bereavement is a stage of marriage--like a honeymoon or raising children. Every marriage has to go through that stage if it lasts without separation or divorce. Somehow I found that comforting. I know one of us will have to face that stage alone--but not for a long time, I hope!
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