Beloved Salisbury community leader Sue Fisher dies at 84

Friends and family remember Sue Fisher as a tireless volunteer and devoted family matriarch.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:07am

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Sue Palmer Fisher, a longtime Salisbury resident and community leader, passed away last week at the age of 84. Fisher was known for her unwavering commitment to her family and her tireless volunteer work with numerous local organizations, including the Rowan Helping Ministries, Salisbury Community Care Clinic, and the Rowan Museum. Friends and family members described Fisher as a woman with boundless energy, a contagious sense of humor, and a "heart of gold" who always put the needs of others before her own.

Why it matters

Sue Fisher and her late husband Paul were pillars of the Salisbury community, known for their philanthropic efforts and deep involvement in local institutions. Her passing marks the end of an era and leaves a void in the community that will be difficult to fill. Fisher's story highlights the profound impact that dedicated community leaders can have on a town, and the importance of selfless service and family-centered values.

The details

Sue Fisher was preceded in death by her husband Paul E. Fisher, who founded the local F&M Bank. The couple was known for their unwavering commitment to Salisbury, with Sue Fisher serving in leadership roles for numerous local organizations over the decades, including Rowan Helping Ministries, the Salisbury Community Care Clinic, the Rowan Museum, and the county's YMCAs. Friends and former colleagues described Fisher as someone who was always ready to "push up her sleeves" and do whatever was needed, whether it was fundraising, serving on a board, or simply lending a helping hand to a neighbor.

  • Sue Fisher passed away last week at the age of 84.
  • Her husband Paul E. Fisher, the founder of F&M Bank, died in 2020.

The players

Sue Palmer Fisher

A longtime Salisbury resident and community leader who was known for her tireless volunteer work and unwavering commitment to her family and community.

Paul E. Fisher

The founder of F&M Bank and Sue Fisher's late husband, with whom she was known for their philanthropic efforts and deep involvement in local institutions.

Susan Norvell

A close friend and neighbor of Sue Fisher's who described her as "the best friend a person could ask for."

Ed Norvell

Susan Norvell's husband, who worked with Sue Fisher when he was the president of the Rowan Museum and she was on the board.

Margaret Kluttz

The former mayor of Salisbury, who called Sue Fisher the "Energizer bunny" and said she "loved our community as much as Paul did and they wanted to make it a better place."

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What they’re saying

“She was wise, wonderful and funny, but family was the most important thing to her.”

— Susan Norvell, Friend and neighbor

“She was someone I always knew I could call if I had questions.”

— Ed Norvell, Former Rowan Museum president

“Everyone thinks of Sue and Paul as the perfect partnership; she was truly the woman behind the man. She could ask hard questions but not with the intent of being unkind.”

— Margaret Kluttz, Former Salisbury mayor

“When you were around her, she made you feel lighter even having just been around her for a short period of time. She was more energetic than women half her age.”

— Gayle Yatawara, Friend

“Many do not realize how much Sue personally did for our community. She went out of her way to be kind and often worked hard behind the scenes to improve the lives of others.”

— Mona Lisa Wallace

What’s next

The Fisher family is planning a memorial service to celebrate Sue Fisher's life and legacy in the Salisbury community.

The takeaway

Sue Fisher's passing marks the end of an era in Salisbury, as she and her husband Paul were deeply embedded in the fabric of the community through their philanthropic efforts and tireless volunteer work. Her story serves as an inspiring example of the profound impact that dedicated community leaders can have, and the importance of prioritizing family, service, and civic engagement.