Serving Barnwell County and it's neighbors since 1852
BLUFFTON - Susan Mixson Cleveland, 72, of Bluffton died on Friday, September 13, 2024, after a brief illness.
Susan was a native of Allendale and was the daughter of the late William Edward and Marlene Hart Mixson. She was preceded in death by her longtime partner, Jeff Adams, of Hilton Head Island.
Having attained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education from the University of South Carolina, Susan embarked on a distinguished 40-year teaching career that spanned the Lowcountry. Beginning in Barnwell County Schools in 1974, she also taught in Allendale County, Dorchester County District 2, Hampton County, Jasper County, Beaufort County, and Glynn County (GA). She impacted the lives, hearts, and minds of countless students through her compassion and innate ability to truly connect with them. She was awarded multiple teacher-of-the year awards during her career.
Susan was a consummate advocate for the underprivileged, as evidenced from her tireless work and testimony during the “Corridor of Shame” lawsuit – Abbeville County School District, et al. v. State of South Carolina – which took 20 years to reach the landmark ruling that the state had failed its poorest school districts.
An avid Gamecock, Susan was a world-class cook, masterful storyteller, and loved working in her amazing garden.
She is survived by her sons, Hart Cleveland and Joey Mixson; her sister, Helen Hart Engel (Ron); her brother, Billy Mixson; her grandson, Brooks Mixson; her niece, Alex Rose (Daniel), and her great-niece Arianna Howell. Beyond her family, Susan had many cherished friendships, including her ‘bonus children,’ Trey Merritt and Robert Harrelson, Brendoris, Ben, Tye, Doobie, Michael Bull, and Jane Morrison Bowden and the entire Morrison family of Estill, S.C.
Susan’s graveside celebration of life will be held at Swallow Savannah Cemetery in Allendale, S.C. on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers and in keeping with her endless love of children, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in her honor.
Keith Smith Funeral Service, 128 Water Street, Allendale, is in charge of arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at www.keithsmithfuneralservice.com.
