Carolyn Sue Finister

Carolyn Sue Finister, born on March 8, 1939, in Trion, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her home on May 12, 2026. Her life was marked by a remarkable blend of devotion, creativity, and an unwavering love for her family.

Sue's journey took her across the globe, living in Tennessee, New Hampshire, New York, and Geneva, Switzerland, following her husband Terry's career with Union Carbide. Her professional life included her role as a bookkeeper with P. F. Beale & Sons in Brewster, New York.

In 2001, Sue and Terry made the decision to relocate from Brewster to Aiken to be closer to family, a testament to her deep commitment to those she loved.

Sue possessed an artistic and creative spirit that enriched the lives of those around her. She was a wonderful cook, often delighting family and friends with her culinary talents and hosting parties for her Hemlock Drive neighbors. Her creative side was evident through her love of decorating for every holiday, especially Christmas. Sue would decorate each room in her home, which is why it was on the Woodside Plantation Holiday House tour many years ago. And she would always have a fun arts and crafts project for her grandkids to enjoy whenever they came to visit. An avid lover of the outdoors, Sue found joy and peace tending to her yard, embracing the natural world with a gentle hand. Bridge, Mahjong, and Hand & Foot were other passions that she cherished, pursuits that brought her both challenge and camaraderie. She was an avid reader - you would often find her nose in a book. While living abroad, she often drove her daughters on road trips throughout Europe, which ignited a passion for travel she retained the remainder of her life.

Above all, Sue was an incredible caregiver, especially devoted to her husband Terry, her childhood sweetheart to whom she was married for 67 years. Their partnership was a testament to enduring love and mutual support.

Sue's legacy continues through her family. She is survived by her husband Terry Finister, her childhood sweetheart and beloved partner. Together, they raised three daughters: Teresa Westenfelder and her husband Mark of Marietta, Georgia; Tracy James and her husband Jeff of Anderson, South Carolina; and Lisa Rettino and her husband Lou of Rumson, New Jersey. Sue cherished her role as a grandmother to six grandchildren, Garrett James, Erin James, Nick Westenfelder, Luke Westenfelder, Logan Rettino, and Sydney Rettino, and held the memory of her granddaughter Alexandria Westenfelder close to her heart.

Sue also leaves behind the memories of her two sisters, Patricia Buckalew and Brenda Worsham. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Terrell and Mary Ruth Stewart Cochran, whose legacies lived on in Sue's lifelong values and commitment to family.

Memorial contributions in Sue’s memory may be directed to the American Heart Association (heart.org) or to the Alzheimer’s Association (Alzheimer's Association ). A Celebration of Sue’s Life will be held at a later date.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC