Obituaries
Cara Melissa Souder
03/23/1973 - 10/06/2023
Cara Melissa Souder March 23, 1973 – October 6, 2023 Cara is the beloved daughter of Jim and Judi Souder of Bracey, VA. Cara was born in Michigan, but spent most of her teen years in Raleigh, NC with her family,
where she made many friends along the way. Upon graduation from Sanderson High
School, she attended Warren Wilson College where she received her BS in Social Work.
After a very successful internship at the VA Hospital in Asheville, NC, she was the first
social worker ever accepted by the VA without a masters degree. There she brightened the
lives of many patients; however, due to Gitelman’s Syndrome, a rare genetic kidney
disorder, she retired after 5 years of service. Her remaining years were spent battling this very painful disease, but never complaining, and always putting her best face forward with a smile on her face.
Cara had a deep connection with the Lord, and when the opportunity arose, she would give
her last dime to someone in need. She overflowed with compassion and love for those less
fortunate. Either human, or a lost puppy or kitten, Cara was always to the rescue. Her last
mission on earth was to pray with a young girl in need while dining at a nearby restaurant
with her parents. She truly understood the command to "You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." This is the
greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as
yourself." Her last 5 years were spent with the love of her life, Shaun Pierce, whom she had known
from high school. They reconnected and shared a home in Raleigh with their rescued
puppy,” Whiskey”. She leaves behind her parents; her partner, Shaun Pierce, her brother Steven Souder; her
sister-in-law, Susan Souder , two nephews.; numerous cousins. Cara was focused on relieving the suffering of our Veterans, many of whom were wounded of mind and body. Her special focus was on those troubled from PTSD. Memorials can be sent to: VFW 8986, 1316 Hibbs Road, Newport, NC 28570. Services will be private. Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home is serving the Souder family.
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Crowder-Hite-Crews Funeral Home & Crematory
PO Box 422
1504 N. Mecklenburg Ave.
South Hill, VA 23970
Local (434) 447-7171
Fax (434) 447-3212
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My Eternal Friend
I’m sad to just discover that the world lost a great human being. Cara was a friend that I knew in the pre-excistence and that l will now meet in my afterlife. I never had the chance to meet her in person on this earth, but really did cherish our phone calls. I will miss her.
I’m sorry for your loss. Till we meet on the other side…my prayers are with you!
All my love. Jeana Frederick
Prayers for you both
Dear Jim and Judi, there are no words of comfort for the loss of a child but I know the two of you are looking to your Lord and Savior for comfort and I pray the Holy Spirit will ease your pain and you will remember the wonderful memories Cara made with you here on this earth. You can find peace in knowing she has a new and perfect body and she will suffer no more. I am praying for you both as you navigate through these rough waters. Love you, Donna Mendenhall
We are so shocked and sorry for your loss.
We didnt know Cara that we’ll, but did enjoy our meeting times at Tom and Stacia’s.
Thought the world of her. Sweet and thoughtful girl.
Condolences
Dear Jim & Judi, I am so sorry that you have to go through this season of loss. I am so thankful that Cara had such a loving relationship with our Lord & Savior. My prayers will be for comfort and strength at this time . God Bless you all.
Nancy & Al Freer
Aunt Judi and Uncle Jim, I have such lovely memories of Cara. Today I remember one long ago family get together, where a very young Cara covered my whole head with braids full of feathers and beads. We laughed all day about my new look! I miss knowing she is in the world. Blessings and love. Jon and Deborah