Susan Kay Hager

September 9, 2025

CHARLOTTE - Susan Kay Shealy Hager passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2025, surrounded by family. She fought pancreatic cancer bravely and optimistically for seven months.

To have known Kay is to have known someone with a heart of gold who truly loved others. Whether she was participating in Bible study, volunteering with a local charity, traveling, or simply spending time with family, neighbors, and friends, she loved people and valued the opportunity to help others and to get to know them better. She was always busy doing something, whether sewing, doing needlepoint, or crocheting, she was happiest when she shared her finished products with others and could often be found teaching them how to do for themselves the things she loved to do.  

She adored being in her yard no matter the season and could often be found sweeping the driveway or picking up the leaves. Many friendships developed with neighbors over the years as she would often strike up conversations with each and every person who passed by when she was outside. It was not surprising to see a neighbor or two sitting on the front porch or back deck chatting for hours at the time just because she was out as they were on their daily walks. One of the last things she said to some friends a couple of days before she passed away was, “Y’all come back!”

After retiring from a forty-four year career in the banking world, she enjoyed every moment of every day. Her contagious smile and bright eyes made those around her feel at home, and they immediately knew that her sweet smile showed her genuine interest in their lives. Going on adventures, usually accompanied by her husband and daughter, provided much pleasure as well as allowed for traveling acquaintances to become close friends. Whether it was a trip to Israel, Germany, or simply to the beach, Kay appreciated the opportunity to live, learn, and meet new people.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Rhoda Shealy of Prosperity, South Carolina, and her husband, Sherman Hager, who in his competitive nature only beat her in the race to heaven by a mere twenty-seven days. She is survived by her daughter, Sally Hentz: sisters, Nancy Wise (Walter) and Kelly Shealy; nephew, Matthew Wise (Susie); niece, Katie Wise (Andrew Crawford); and great niece, Mae.

The service to celebrate the life of Kay will be at 2 pm on Saturday, September 27, 2025 in the uptown auditorium at Carmel Baptist Church. Please wear bright colors, a scarf, or feel free to bust out your best pearls to wear in Kay’s memory.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Kay’s memory to Love Over Limits Foundation, Carmel Baptist Church – Helping Hands Ministry or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • brenda poplin

    Kay was always a ray of sunshine and a pulse of enthusiasm. We were in SS class together, and she took special pictures at our daughter's wedding, which I still have, and she offered to carry flowers to the reception hall. I loved hearing about all of her responsibilities at work, and wondered how she kept up with everything. She loved Sally so very much, and was excited when she got to work with our son. Sally, even at the end with invasive cancer still was upbeat and loved living each day in the beautiful world God created for us. She will now join her hubby in heaven, as they walk the golden streets together. I mourn her loss.

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