Susan Amanda Van Wageningen Montgomery, 72, of Columbia, died Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at her home.

Born on December 16, 1950 in Shelby, NC she was a daughter of the late Frederick William and Amanda Winifred Harris Van Wageningen.

Susan cherished her time growing up in Shelby, NC. It was a significant part of who she was, and would often take her son, Benton, to visit. She was a graduate of Shelby High School, Class of 1968 and of Meredith College. She began her professional life working in Tennessee before finding her niche in government services as a manager and legislative liaison in South Carolina. Susan had an amazing gift of recall, and could carry in her mind the details of the bills that were up for debate each session. She was proud of the work she did at the South Carolina State House and upon her retirement received a resolution in recognition of her 22 years of service for the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

From an early age, Susan loved the outdoors. Whether it was at Ocean Drive dancing to the beach music or at Litchfield Beach reading a good book, trips to the beach brought her joy. In her youth, she had fond memories of her time at Camp Yonahlossee outside of Blowing Rock, NC. She loved animals, especially dogs and cats, and was a regular visitor of Riverbanks Zoo, taking in all the animals before finding her favorite spot at the gorilla exhibit. Susan spent 18 years in Newberry, SC raising her son, Benton McQueen Montgomery IV, with her then-husband, Mac Montgomery.

She loved being a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church and attending any sporting or extracurricular event in which Benton participated. Susan was a spiritual person with a strong faith. She loved the Episcopal Church, with memberships at St. Luke's in Newberry and later, St. Timothy's in Columbia. She had a kind and gentle nature; was sharp and quick-witted with a dry sense of humor. She had a beautiful smile and gorgeous red hair. She was classy, yet simple and uncomplicated. Above all else, Susan loved and was loved.

Services will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 am at Sunset Cemetery in Shelby, NC.

She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey "Jeff" Benjamin Moore of Columbia, SC. Her son, Benton McQueen Montgomery IV, his wife, Lorelee Montgomery, and their son, Benton McQueen Montgomery V "Quinn", of James Island, SC; Her brother, Peter Van Wageningen and his wife (Judy) of West Chesterfield, NH.

Memorials are suggested to Riverbanks Zoo, www.riverbanks.org; or to Heifer International, www.heifer.org.

Memories and messages may be shared with Susan's family on her tribute page at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Montgomery family.