Susan Nadine Herndon

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Susan Herndon, 45, on February 16, 2026. A caring and compassionate soul, Susan touched the lives of many through her kindness, her generosity, and her deep love for both people and animals. A graduate of Apex High School, Susan continued her education at North Carolina State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, and later earned her nursing degree from Cape Fear Community College. Susan found peace outdoors, drawn equally to the mountains and the sea. After college, her adventurous spirit led her to Breckenridge, Colorado, where she spent several seasons working and snowboarding. Later, she made her home in Wilmington, North Carolina, embracing life near the beach. In the last few years, Susan relocated back to the Triangle area, spending time in Apex and Chapel Hill, reconnecting with family and local friends. Susan worked many years in the food service industry. She was part of the teams at Brasserie du Soleil and Manna restaurants in Wilmington, as well as Fearrington House Restaurant in Pittsboro, NC, and other restaurants around the Triangle. Susan had a profound love for animals, especially horses and Great Danes, and found joy in their companionship throughout her life. She was generous in sharing this love with others, including her time working at Horses for Hope, where she helped support therapeutic riding programs and witnessed firsthand the healing connection between horses and people. Susan also had a deep passion for music. She gave her time volunteering at local radio stations and helping coordinate music festivals, bringing people together through shared sound and celebration. Her love of music reflected her vibrant spirit and her gift for creating connection. Susan is survived by her parents, James and Nancy of Apex, NC; her sister Sarah (and husband John Barkenbus) of Charlotte, NC, her brother, Jim (and wife Emily) of Apex, NC; and her three nieces and nephew: Maddie, Lilly, Caroline, and Nicholas. She is also survived by her beloved Great Dane, Boone, who was a constant source of comfort and joy. Susan will be remembered for her warm heart, her adventurous spirit, and the compassion she showed to everyone she met. Though her time was far too short, her legacy of love and kindness will endure in the countless lives she touched. A graveside memorial service celebrating Susan’s life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2pm at the Apex Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Susan’s honor to Horses for Hope (https://horsesforhope.org/) or the SPCA of Wake County (https://spcawake.org/), organizations that reflect her lifelong devotion to animals.

Tributes

Susan Nadine Herndon

April 12, 1980 - February 16, 2026