Image

Susanne Cherrill Carter, 90, of Phoenix, Arizona, entered Heaven and into the arms of Jesus March 8, 2025. She was at home surrounded in love and prayers with her family by her side.

She was born August 31, 1934, in San Jose, California, to Bernard William and Cherrill Mae (Hicks) Perrins. When “Susie” was just three years old, her mother passed away. She always said, “God blessed her with two mommas; one who gave her life and one who would share her life.” Myrtle Rae (Roach) Perrins came into Susie’s life at the age of thirteen, and became her mom and best friend. They were birthday buddies too. 

Susie grew up in Ogden, Utah, and graduated from Ogden High School in 1952.

While attending Oregon State University, she met Peter BoDine Carter at a fraternity-sorority social event and fell in love. June 19, 1954, the two were united in marriage. From this union, they were blessed with their five children - Scott, Kevin “Cub”, Christi, Kim, and Brett “Chip.”

Susie was a loving and devoted wife and mother who enjoyed raising her children in the family home at the Air Force Academy in beautiful Colorado Springs. She created lasting memories as she was the heart of their warm, wonderful home. In 1980, the two divorced amicably with love in their hearts because of the children they shared. 

Susie found the love of her life and soulmate, Raymond S. Clark. They were inseparable, sharing over 30 years of love and commitment. Susie gained a family when she joined the Clarks. She was honored to be a bonus mom, grandma, and great grandma to the Clark families. 

Ray and Susie enjoyed their years in Colorado Springs, and being snowbirds in their retirement, traveling from their home in Colorado to Arizona, eventually making sunny Arizona their permanent home.

Susie was full of life. She loved people! A pure love overflowed from her. No one was a stranger, and everyone was family. She was captivating. She would greet you with a gentle smile, a warm hug and a big ‘ol smooch. Her heart was as big as the world. She could spend hours visiting with people, even strangers, and when the conversation ended, you would want for more. 

She enjoyed many hobbies. She loved spending time with her two cats, Keno and Bingo; playing the piano and organ; painting ceramics and clothing; sewing; crocheting; playing cards; doing crossword puzzles; reading; decorating her home; cooking; baking cinnamon rolls with her grandchildren and great grandchildren; and spending quality time with her entire family, as she loved them more than anything. She was a best friend, a mentor, and a source of counsel for anyone in need. She was also known for giving great advice and detailed directions. 

She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, joyous laughter, and love of sunflowers. She loved this quote, and it became her life motto: “Always look at the brighter side of life, just like the sunflower, which looks upon the sun not the dark clouds.”

Susie believed in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and would join church services each Sunday from the comfort of her living room through the online services offered from 
Scottsdale Bible Church. 

Susie is survived by her children, Scott (Pat) Carter, Cub (LeAnne) Carter, Christi (Jay) Abraham, Kim (Rick) Harris, and Chip (Traci) Carter; grandchildren, Brittany (Nate) Anderson, Mandi (Chris) Canter, Brynne (John) Gluch, Cassie (Benny) Frey, Chelsey (Sam) Heppner, Brett (Michelle) Abraham, Michael (Ashley) Carter, Shelby (Adam) Watts, Megan Abraham, Olivia Carter, Colt Carter, and Cash Carter; great grandchildren, Harper and Nora Anderson, Noah Heppner, Case, Brooks, and Audrey Canter, Jesse Carter, Eden and Trey Gluch, Ford and Charlotte Abraham, Miles and Monroe Frey, and Abel and Archie Watts; and the Clark Families: children, Debbie Greggory, Randy (Joy) Clark, and Terry (Gerrie) Clark; grandchildren, Liz Hutch, Jessica (Mike) Weeks, Amanda (Juan Carlos) Balderas, Kristin Clark, Catherine Clark, and Victoria Clark; great grandchildren, Sloane and Sam Eden, Kaylee and Khloe Weeks, and Daniel Balderas.

Susie is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; Peter B. Carter; Raymond S. Clark; stepson, Brent Clark; and stepson in-law, Gregg Greggory.

Susie’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Grace Chapel at Scottsdale Bible Church Shea Campus at 3:00 p.m. Her final resting place will be at La Casa de Cristo Memorial Garden in Scottsdale.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions can be made to:
YoungLife – A Ministry for Youth, 1130 E. Missouri, Suite 404, Phoenix, AZ 85014 

Arrangements are under the direction of Hansen Mortuary.