Susan "Sue Sue" Russell Hollister, 56, of Greenwood, wife of David Hollister, passed away Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Self Regional Medical Center.

Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late James Cecil Russell and Frances Jennings Russell.
Susan's devotion to her faith was exemplified through her involvement at South Main Baptist Church. She found joy in volunteering in the nursery, caring for the church's youngest members. Her unwavering love for the Lord was evident in her interactions with others and the kindness she extended to everyone she encountered.

Susan dedicated her life to the education and nurturing of young minds. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Winthrop College, she embarked on a fulfilling career, working at Cambridge Academy, where she started the pre-school program, as well as Greenwood School District 50. Susan's unwavering passion for teaching led her to retire from Learning Express, where she touched the lives of countless children and shaped their futures.

With a joyful spirit and an infectious love for life, Susan had a number of interests and hobbies. She held an allegiance to the Carolina Gamecocks, proudly supporting her favorite team through thick and thin. An enduring companion to her daily routine was a refreshing glass of diet coke with crushed ice, a simple pleasure that brought her immense delight. Susan also had a deep appreciation for the music of "Alabama," finding solace and inspiration in their melodies.

Those who knew Susan intimately will remember her as an unapologetically self, boisterous individual, who lived life on her own terms. Her unique personality was reflected in her eclectic taste for breakfast, where she mixed Fruit Loops with bananas, creating a colorful and memorable start to her day. Perhaps one of her greatest passions was preserving every cherished moment with her camera, ensuring that the beauty and joy in life were captured and preserved for eternity.

Although Susan has left this earthly realm, her vibrant spirit and larger-than-life persona will continue to reverberate through the memories she created. She embodied the essence of a traditional southern woman, radiating warmth, hospitality, and grace wherever she went.

She is survived by her husband, David; children, Jessica Hollister Shaw (Austin), Jennings Monroe Hollister (Avonlea) and Jade Ryan Hollister (Nathanael); sisters, Jennifer Swift (Brian) and Tina Russell; brother, Jimbo Russell (Lynn); nieces, Tiffany Rodgers, Renee Tolson and Natalie Bieber; great nieces and nephews, Larry Wayne Rodgers, Logan Rodgers, Addison Rodgers, Lane Rodgers and Briar Tolson.
She was preceded in death by two nieces, Hannah Swift and Jessica Merry.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at South Main Baptist Church with Dr. Toby Frost and Rev. Andy Roberson officiating. Burial will follow at Oakbrook Memorial Park. Per Susan's request, the family ask everyone to please wear colorful attire, Carolina Gamecock colors if possible. (No orange!)

The family will receive friends from 12:00-1:00 p.m. at the church.