Ms. Susan Mitchell Callahan

Susan Leidy Mitchell Callahan, “the sweetest of them all,” died peacefully in the presence of her loving family—a moment filled with tenderness, gratitude, and love. Born in Columbia, SC on October 23, 1956 to the late Dr. Dana Covington Mitchell Jr. and Florence Beaumont Mitchell, Sue was the beloved daughter and the fifth of eight children in a fiercely loyal, close-knit, and devoted family. From the very beginning, she was adored—not just by her family, but by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Sue had a warmth and gentleness that made others feel safe and seen, and her deep love for family was the center of her life. Sue was previously married to Reeves Petroff. Though the marriage ended, she maintained a deep and lasting relationship with his father, the late Gil Petroff, an accomplished artist and longtime family friend. Gil encouraged and nurtured Sue’s love of painting, spending time with her, helping to develop her skills, and sharing in the joy of artistic expression—an influence that remained meaningful throughout her life. Later, Sue married Rocky Callahan, and together they had her greatest joy—her daughter, Amanda. From the moment Amanda was born, she and Sue were inseparable. Amanda was not only Sue’s daughter, but her very best friend, her heart, and the center of her world. Their bond was filled with love, laughter, and an unbreakable closeness. Sue was a proud aunt to countless nieces, nephews, and their children, and she loved every one of them deeply. She took great pride in every member of her extended family, always eager to share stories, updates, and memories about them with others. Her love for her family was constant, and her presence was a source of warmth and joy to all. She loved her daughter, family, friends, plants, animals, an ice cold Coke, fried shrimp, and watching her favorite TV shows, Little House on the Prairie and The Andy Griffith Show. Her heart belonged to the mountains of Bland County, Virginia, where she spent countless childhood summers. It was in those mountains, where her father was raised, that she first fell in love with nature, family roots, and the comfort of a slower, simpler life. She adored her extended family there and stayed in touch with many of them throughout her life. A sweet and gentle soul, Sue found joy in the little things. She lived life on her own terms and at her own pace. She moved quietly, kindly, and with a spirit that saw the little things that others missed. She had an astonishing memory, recalling childhood stories with remarkable detail—often reminding her siblings of moments they had long forgotten. Sue never missed a thing. She was the family historian, storyteller, and heartstring-keeper, always ready to share a laugh or a memory that made you feel rooted and loved. Sue's passing leaves an immense hole in the hearts of all who knew her, but most especially, her family. Number 5 will always be in the hearts of those who loved her and her love will live on in the stories we share, the art she left behind, the quiet, enduring beauty of her spirit, and most especially in her daughter, Amanda. She will be missed every moment of every day. And if you find yourself driving through the mountains, play a John Denver song—Sue will be smiling. She is survived by her devoted daughter and best friend, Amanda Susan Callahan, seven brothers and sisters, Marie Beaumont Mitchell Strohecker (Scott), Dana Covington Mitchell, III (Lynne), Katherine Phelps Mitchell DuBose “Kathy” (Ted), Berry Beaumont Mitchell, William Timothy Mitchell “Bill” (Teresa), Ellen Koch Mitchell Siron (Bruce), Elizabeth Stuart Mitchell Faith “Muffie” (Bob) and twenty one nieces and nephews, Marie Beaumont Barre Covert “Beaumont” (Jabo), Randall Stewart Barre “Stewart” (Grif), Stephanie Talbert Strohecker Goe (Brian), Scott Carson Strohecker (Lissa), Jane Elizabeth Strohecker Ullman (Mark), Elizabeth Beaumont Galliani “Beth” (Michael), Ellen Marie Mitchell, Rita Dudley Mitchell, Dana Covington Mitchell, IV (Libby), Theodore Marion DuBose, V “Ted” (Lilly), Dana Hampton DuBose (Mary Katherine), Katherine Covington DuBose Jackson “Covey” (John), Ryan Berry Mitchell (Molly), Peter Covington Mitchell (Kory), Mary Elizabeth Mitchell Stern “Elizabeth” (Jason), William Timothy Mitchell, Jr. (Malena), Katherine Middleton Siron “Katie”, Beaumont Covington Siron Palmer “Beau” (William), Robert Alan Faith , Jr. “Bobby” (Jacklyn), Elizabeth Stuart Faith “Stuart”, Florence Beaumont Faith Dowd “Beau” (Bryant); twenty nine great nieces and nephews, Sophia Marie Beaumont Covert “Sophie”, Madison Saunders Covert “Maddie”, Madeline Griffith Barre Jordan (John), John Stewart Barre, Lyles Elizabeth Barre, Conrad Eliot Strohecker, Katherine Anne Strohecker “Hattie”, Mark Williams Ullman “Wills”, Scott Thomas Ullman, Helen Elizabeth Galliani, Caroline Bright Galliani, Katherine Beaumont Galliani, Mary Ann Mitchell, Lucy Lynne Mitchell, Thompson Mitchell DuBose, Henry Hampton DuBose “Hampton”, Katherine Middleton DuBose, Marion Jett DuBose, Robert Wade Jackson, John Terrence Jackson, Henry Robert Mitchell, Hannah Kathryn Mitchell, Grace Willow Mitchell, Scout Juniper Mitchell, Margaret Stuart Palmer, Claire Isabella Stern, Adeline Camille Stern, Phoebe Lee Faith, and Archer Wood Mitchell. The funeral service will be held at 11 o'clock on Friday, June 13th, 2025, at St. Michael and All Angels’ Episcopal Church, with a reception to follow. Interment in the church cemetery will be private. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Sue’s honor may be made to St. Michael and All Angels’ Episcopal Church, 6408 Bridgewood Rd, Columbia, SC 29206.

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Ms. Susan Mitchell Callahan

October 23, 1956 - June 6, 2025