Susan A. Holdway

Susan A. Holdway, of Greer, SC, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at her residence. Susan, 69, passed peacefully while surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with cancer and medical complications.

Born September 26, 1953 in Evanston, IL to Harold & Pat Austell, she was the youngest of three children. Growing up both in Illinois and South Carolina, Susan spent most of her time involved in church, music, and with family, a theme that carried through her life.

Susan is a 1971 graduate of Wade Hampton High School where she played the flute in the marching band. In 1975, Susan became a graduate of Mars Hill College where she was the first student to receive a diploma in Social Work. While at “The Hill,” Susan met Gene Holdway, whom she married on May 31, 1975. Those who knew them would describe their partnership as a great love story. Both Susan and Gene have continued to support Mars Hill faithfully and serve the school they love in various ways.

Susan was a devoted social worker for many years serving those in rural NC counties, as well as a long-time staff member of what was formerly The Whitten Center in Laurens, SC. She had a heart for differently abled individuals and volunteered within the special needs community for many years. Later she worked as both a homemaker and pre-school teacher and volunteered at safe houses for women and with Habitat for Humanity. Susan always continued to work for the betterment of her community.

Susan was a member of Pelham Road Baptist Church and previously served at Laurens First Baptist (Laurens, SC), Calvary Baptist (Bel Air, MD), and Edwards Road Baptist (Greenville, SC). She was a woman of faith who supported missions and faith-based organizations both prayerfully and financially throughout her life.

Susan loved Jesus Christ and her family most of all. She is most famous for “Aunt Susan Lake Cookies” and the holiday favorite, asparagus casserole. Even as her health declined, she could find a smile or word of encouragement for others. She will be most remembered as being a loving wife, wonderful mother, precious sister, and friend to all of God’s children.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, S. Harold and Patricia R. Austell. She is survived by her husband, Roger Eugene Holdway, her children Kelly E. Holdway of Atlanta, GA, and Randall J. Holdway of Greenwood, SC, as well as her brother Samuel H. Austell and his wife Jan, and her brother J. Michael Austell and his wife Lucy. She is also survived by her aunt Blanche Davis, and her uncle M. Gib Richardson (Freddie). Additionally, she is survived by her nephews and nieces, Andrew S. Austell (Kat), Jesse S. Austell (Sandy), Elisa S. Austell (Colin Lee), Michael R. Austell, and Caroline W. Austell; two great-nephews Elliot and Arlo Austell and one great-niece, Reese Lee. Those additional family members related and not, who loved Susan are too numerous to list, a testament to her life well lived.

Arrangements will be handled by Mackey Funerals and Cremations 311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 11:00am at Pelham Road Baptist Church, 1108 Pelham Rd, Greenville, SC 29615 followed by a BBQ Luncheon and Visitation where the family will receive friends. A private family burial will follow.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation, may contribute to The Susan A. Holdway Memorial Scholarship Fund at Mars Hill University, 100 Athletic Street, Mars Hill, NC.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mackeycenturydrive.com for the Holdway family.