Clauson-Wicker, Deborah Su
(Deborah) Su Clauson-Wicker passed away on April 18, 2024 at the age of 72. She had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Originally from upstate New York, Su’s home and heart were here in southwest Virginia.
She received bachelor’s degrees in psychology and communications from Cornell University and a master’s degree in Communications Studies from Clarion University. Su spent two years as a house mother at a home for adolescent girls in Emporia, Virginia before relocating to Blacksburg. After working in print news, radio, and television, she served as editor of the Virginia Tech Magazine for a decade. Su was the author of several books, including West Virginia Off the Beaten Path and Inn to Inn Walking Guide: Virginia and West Virginia, which won the “West Virginia’s Best Book” media award.
She continued working as a free-lance feature journalist for the Roanoke Times, Blue Ridge Country, and other regional publications until 2022. Su had a special gift for storytelling and wouldn’t hesitate to explore the subject matter herself, whether it was participating in a tap dance class, modeling a bathing suit in a fashion show, or testing aerial silks at a yoga studio.
Su was an integral part of the Blacksburg community and dedicated countless hours of volunteer service to promote awareness of history, conservation, nature, and the arts in the New River Valley. She interpreted history as a Smithfield Plantation “serving wench”, helped at the Blacksburg Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program (MCEAP) Clothing Shop, organized an annual plant swap at the town library, volunteered at the Lyric Theatre, and co-authored a book on the history of the Lyric. Su loved gardening and working with indoor and outdoor plants, and warmed hearts with the delightful roadside plant and flower stand at her home. In addition to adopting feral and geriatric cats and nominating others for “Leading Lights” community service awards, she was a practitioner of Reiki and always willing to share her love, energy, and positivity with friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. Su practiced a life of low impact on the planet that resulted in an indelible effect on the people around her.
Su is survived by her husband, Bruce Wicker; her brother, David Clauson; her sister, Janet Clauson (John Fetter), nephews Ira Garrison, Tobias Iaculli, David Fetter, and Steven Fetter; and nieces Lucy Garrison and Lydia Garrison.
A gathering for friends and family is planned at the deceased’s home on May 25, 2024 at 2pm.