Susie Calloway Painter

***Please note the change in the service location.***

     Susie Ann Calloway Painter, 71, of Nebo, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026, in Asheville, following a lengthy illness.

     Susie was born in McDowell County, NC, on June 8, 1954, to the late Frankie Walker Calloway and Thomas Bascombe Calloway. She married James Stephen Painter, on April 23, 1973, in Gaffney, SC. Susie was a graduate of Pleasant Gardens High School and worked with Collin and Aikman in Old Fort, from 1973 until 1976, Baxter Laboratories in North Cove, from 1976 until 1979, and was co-owner of Painters Greenhouse in Old Fort, from 1973 until 2010.

     Susie loved any kind of creative art. She learned how to make giant paper-mache puppets, weld giant sculptures, and transform the town of Old Fort with hanging baskets and planters from the greenhouse. Her great marketing mind brought people from surrounding counties to the greenhouse to fill their gardens. She also enjoyed making jewelry and donating her sales to raise money for causes close to her heart. Susie loved to travel, both in and out of the country. She enjoyed many adventures in Belize and in Shallotte. She never met a stranger. She had dogs throughout her life and considered her four-legged companions part of the family.

     Susie lived her life in McDowell County. However, she was a citizen of the world. She was active in politics at the national, state and local levels. Susie was a part of Old Fort Forward, which actively worked to place Old Fort on the map of places to visit in North Carolina. She was also active with Stop Prohibition in Old Fort to bring more business opportunities to the town and with Agro-tourism. In addition to the great care she showed her community, she took care of everyone in her life - her neighbors, her family and her many friends.

     Survivors include her husband, James Stephen Painter; her son, Zachry Ryan Painter; two brothers, Jerry Michael Calloway & wife Teresa of Weaverville, NC and Thomas Joe Calloway & wife Anita of Marion, NC; a sister, Janice Calloway Cheyne & husband Bill of Fort Myers, FL; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved.

     A Celebration of Life will be held at Foothills Watershed, 655 Catawba River Road, in Old Fort on May 16th at noon. The Reverend Dr. Erin Kirby of St. John’s Episcopal Church and Dr. Cissy Majebe will officiate. Those that attend are encouraged to bring a chair.

     Beam Funeral Service & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Care Partners Solace Center, 21 Belvedere Rd. Asheville, NC 28803.