Susan Cannon Hoke, 54, of Tarboro, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, too soon and deeply loved.

Born March 16, 1971, in Tarboro, Susan was the daughter of Ashton Hodges "Butch" Cannon and Patricia Manning Cannon. She lived with a warmth and kindness that touched everyone who knew her.

On April 26, 1997, Susan married the love of her life, Chris. Together they built a life full of laughter, friendship, and a love that centered on family. Susan was a devoted wife, a loving daughter and sister, and an incredible aunt and friend. Above all, she was a proud and joyful mother to her son, Brody Hodges Hoke. In her words, "Being his mama is the joy and honor of my life," and anyone who knew her could see that motherhood was her greatest calling and her deepest joy.

Susan is survived by her husband, Chris, and their son, Brody; her parents, Patricia and Butch Cannon; her sister, Tracy Johnson and her husband, Charles; her mother-in-law, Faye Phykitt; her sisters-in-law, Kathryn Pitt and her husband, Louis, and Mary Martha Treadaway and her husband, Adam; her nieces and nephews, Chase Johnson and his wife, Shannon, and their children, Miller and Hayes, Anna Johnson, Lizzie Johnson, and Riley Treadaway and her beloved dog and constant companion, Darby. She also leaves behind countless extended family members, lifelong friends, coworkers, and a community who loved her deeply and will be forever touched by her warmth, kindness, and wisdom.

She was a proud graduate of Tarboro High School, home of the Vikings, Class of 1989, and later earned her degree in Marketing from East Carolina University. Susan loved both places dearly, and it felt fitting that the Vikings and the Pirates shared the same purple and gold she wore so proudly.

Susan poured her heart into the community she called home. She served Edgecombe County Public Schools with dedication and pride, helping share the story of the district and the people within it. Through her work and her relationships, she made her schools and her community stronger. Her bright smile, kind spirit, and unwavering dedication left a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Susan had a rare gift: she made people feel seen, valued, and loved. She carried light wherever she went, and her smile could fill a room and stay with you long after she left it. She was known for her genuine kindness, her steady presence, and the way she showed up for others – in the big moments and the everyday ones.

Susan's life was filled with the simple joys that matter most: time with family and friends, front porch conversations, dinners together, trips to the beach, and the many special traditions she held close. She treasured friendships, laughter, and making memories, and she had a way of making ordinary moments feel special just by being there.

Visitation will be held Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. at Carlisle Funeral Home in Tarboro. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at West Edgecombe Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Edgecombe Memorial Park.

In the days ahead, Susan's family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from all who knew her. Though her time here was far too short, her impact was lasting. Susan's life was a gift, and her love will continue to live on in the family she adored, the friends who cherished her, and the community she cared for so deeply.

The family will be receiving friends at the home of Tracy and Charles Johnson at 712 Salem Lane in Tarboro.

Memorial contributions may be made in Susan Cannon Hoke's memory to the following organizations:

ECPS Educational Foundation Mail checks to: Edward Jones, 409 N Main Street, STE 100, Tarboro, NC 27886

ECPS Angel Tree Make checks payable to: ECPS Angel Tree Mail to: Edgecombe County Public Schools, Attn: Selena Hale, 2311 N. Main St., Tarboro, NC 27886

Edgecombe County Animal Shelter Payments should be made to: Edgecombe County (memo: Animal Shelter - animal food/toys, food/waters bowls, fencing) Mail to: Edgecombe County, P.O. Box 10, Tarboro, NC 27886 Attn: Finance Department