Sally D. Comer

Dr. Sally Davis Comer

Raleigh

Sally Davis Comer died peacefully at home September 24, 2014. She was born to Dr. and Mrs. John Lee Davis in Sulligent, AL December 25, 1945 – a Christmas baby who leaves a remarkable legacy. A brilliant and talented woman, Sally created a successful professional career balanced by her fierce and unwavering devotion to and love for her family and friends. She is survived by her devoted husband, Wilson S. Comer, Jr. (Sid); her son, Lewis Lankford and wife, Krista Stearns of Asheville, NC; her daughter, Susan Comer Fisher and husband, Eric of Arlington VA; her adored and adoring grandchildren, Bailey and Flannery Lankford; brother, John Lee Davis, Jr. and wife, Betty of Mexico Beach, FL; sisters-in-law Betty Ann Davis and Doris Davis of Birmingham, AL and Lily Comer Keyes of Raleigh; nine nieces and nephews, and a wide circle of loving friends. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers Drs. Stanton and Robert Davis.

Sally's professional career began with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Speech Pathology from the University of Alabama. After moving to North Carolina as a young, single parent, Sally worked in the TEACCH Center at the UNC School of Medicine. Sally and Sid met in Chapel Hill, married in 1980 and settled in Raleigh. After their daughter, Susan, started school, Sally completed her Masters degree in Social Work at UNC-CH in 1989. She became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 1991 and after years of private practice, when her children were successfully launched, Sally earned her PhD in Social Work from Smith College in 2012. She collaborated internationally on her research findings and was an adjunct professor at both UNC-CH and ECU Schools of Social Work. She was Director of the Psychotherapy Training Program at Psychoanalytic Education Center of the Carolinas 2009-13. Well-known and respected in her profession, she was active in the NC Society for Clinical Social Work for over 20 years.

Music was always at the center of Sally's life from her lovely voice to her support of her family's musical talent– as Sid says, "she enjoyed classical music and put up with my Bluegrass." But Sally delighted in all of the family's musical endeavors, particularly singing together at formal and informal family events.

Though she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2000, Sally never allowed her illness to define her. She took the time to discern and invest in the things that supported her spiritual, emotional and physical health, enabling her to continue to invest great energy in improving the lives of others. As a Master Gardener, she cultivated beautiful gardens at home and shared her knowledge and time by volunteering at the JC Raulston Arboretum and other venues. Always a lover of art and learning, she became a Docent at the NC Museum of Art. She was an active member of the Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, and her Covenant Disciple Bible Study group will serve as pallbearers at her service.

Visitation at the church Friday night 6pm – 8pm and funeral services at the church Saturday at 1pm. Flowers welcome. Memorial gifts to Feed America .org or charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Bryan-Lee Funeral, Raleigh and condolences to the family at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com