Susan "Susie" Watkins Hadwin, of Chapin, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at age 83. Susie was born on June 3, 1940, in Rutherfordton, North Carolina to James Watkins and Nancy Carolyn Greene, and was later blessed with a loving stepfather, Alec Taylor Brown.

Susie was a graduate of Orangeburg High School class of 1958. She attended Coker College and later graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Early Childhood Education. After a brief teaching career, she transitioned into banking where she worked until her retirement.

Susie was married for 62 years to her high school sweetheart, Thomas "Tommy" Cecil Hadwin, Jr. Together they built their forever home on Lake Murray, where they raised their three children and enjoyed lake life to the fullest. She and Tommy hosted legendary fish fries, memorable Labor Day festivities, epic July 4th parties, Bridge Clubs, and numerous other social gatherings.

Susie was a devoted wife and mother who always put family first. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and was proud of each of them. Although she faced challenges in life, she handled them with love and grace.

Susie valued the importance of friendship and cherished the bonds she formed with lifelong friends, some of whom she had known since high school. Her enduring connections were evident in the many girls' trips she enjoyed throughout her life, creating lasting memories with those who shared in her laughter and camaraderie.

She enjoyed traveling and had an adventurous spirit, qualities she inherited from her mother. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing bridge and Mah-Jongg. She will be fondly remembered for her kind and generous spirit, her quick wit, her warm sense of humor, and the many delicious Christmas morning breakfasts she hosted for her family.

In addition to her husband, Susie is survived by her daughters, Paula Alexander of Columbia and Catherine Hadwin Ross (Gary) of Chapin; grandchildren, Lauren Hoover, Thorne Hadwin (Randall), Megan Groves (Brian), Jaclyn Alexander, Summer Alexander, Bella Alexander, Jack Hadwin, Taylor Ross, Saint Hadwin, and Gisele Hacker Hadwin; and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Nancy Scott Quick and Carolyn Dee McPhaul, and her beloved son, Alec Jefferson Hadwin, who is deeply missed by family and friends.

While her family grieves her loss, they are choosing to remember her in a way that honors her spirit. The family invites you to join them in a Celebration of Life honoring her memory on Monday, December 4th at 2 P.M. at Whitaker Funeral Home in Chapin.

Memories and messages of condolence may be shared with the family here on her tribute wall.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hadwin family.