Susan Drake Nilsson

With her calendar cleared, commitments met, the appointment book free of conflict, and the steady flow of visits from friends, relatives, and former clients slowed to a trickle, our dear Susan, with eyes to the heavens and a view of the beauty and splendor that awaited her, completed her final project, drew her last breath and smiled. She had been aware of her fate for several weeks as the aggressive and painful cancer seized her body and removed her will to fight.

A native of Hendersonville, NC, Susan was blessed to grow up in the best place on earth. A small southern mountain town filled with charm and grace, much of which was transfused into Susan through her parents Walter and Eula Drake, the families of the Hyman Heights community, and the fellowship of First Baptist Church. She was educated in the city schools and graduated from Hendersonville High in 1969 along with a group of lifelong friends who loved her through her final days with a depth of care most of us could only wish for.

During her college years and early career, Susan attended both East Carolina and Western Carolina, worked at Rondesics Leisure Homes Corporation in Asheville, Fireside Antiques in Biltmore Village, and Jon Nilsson Engineering and Construction in Black Mountain. She eventually married Jon, and together they formed a successful partnership, serving clients all over Western North Carolina. After years of attending night school in Cullowhee, Susan earned her BFA in Interior Design from WCU. In 1987, she established Susan Nilsson, ASID Interiors and Design, an award-winning interior design firm. Susan was recognized by the ASID for her excellence in design and consulted with architect Jim Samsel of Asheville on the centerpiece of her career The Ramble Preview Center in Biltmore.

A gracious hostess in any setting, Susan was known to treat everyone with the best she had to offer. On a recent excursion, she was observed feeding the homeless and downtrodden in the style of a southern Tea Party. Complete with tablecloth, flatware, and a floral centerpiece, Susan invited the needy for more than just food, but for the experience of being treated as an honored guest. Family events were usually held at her home or a picnic venue where she always evidenced her talent for making commonplace events memorable.

Susan was predeceased by her husband Rivers Stone, parents Walter and Eula, and brother Walter, Jr. (Chip). She is survived by brother David, nieces Susan Drake Sellew (Wes), Anne Drake Brucato (Ben), Morelia Drake (Alex), nephew Sam Kai Drake, sister-in-law Nancy, great-nieces Millie, Etta and Eva and great nephews Fox, Haile, Jonathan, Leo and Dylan. Ex-husband (1982-2015) Jon Nilsson, his children Katy and Tom, and grandchildren Poppy, Emily, and Erik.

The family appreciates the services provided by the Knox Law firm for the able direction during Susan’s critical months (except for the couch, Susan hated the couch). Our deepest gratitude to those intimate friends who made sure that Susan was never alone and thoroughly loved.

A memorial service will be observed at 3 o’clock on June 26^th at St John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church. Tributes may be directed to the church or the ASID Foundation, 1152 15 St., NW Suite 910, Washington, D.C. 20005.