Search by Name

Search by Name

Susan Lyman Drew

1931 - 2014

BORN

1931

DIED

2014

Susan Drew Obituary

Susan Lyman Drew AWENDAW, SC - Susan Lyman Drew died peacefully at her home in Awendaw, SC on February 4, 2014. Sue was born September 27, 1931 in Cleveland, OH, the daughter of Dr. Joseph T. Wearn and Susan (Lyman) Wearn. She attended Laurel School in Cleveland and graduated from Radcliffe College. In 1964, she married Thomas E. "Gene" Drew III. They purchased Driftwood Plantation in Awendaw to raise cattle, hunt and promote wildlife and farmland conservation. Sue's summers were spent in Brooklin, ME, a favorite summer place for generations of Sue's family. Sue had many interests, and pursued them passionately. She was an excellent horticulturalist, cook and entertainer. Her greatest joys were simple: a good book, a good movie and most of all, a well prepared dinner, overflowing with humor and good friends. Sue opened the Scarlett O'Hara Restaurant in Charleston, SC in 1973. The "Scarlett", a floating restaurant docked on the Cooper River was one of the city's top restaurants for years. Sue was also a skilled and competitive sailor, learning her skills as a child in Cohassett, MA. In the early 1980s she bought Cirrus, a much admired 42-foot Herreshoff yawl. Under her ownership, Cirrus was completely rebuilt and raced often throughout Maine waters. In 1989, Driftwood Plantation was hit directly by Hurricane Hugo. Sue and Gene chose to rebuild, and introduced a special breed of cattle, the Belted Galloway, into their herd. Following Sue's vision, Driftwood became recognized nationally and internationally as one of the premier breeders of Beltie Cattle, and "Miss Sue", as she was known among Beltie enthusiasts, become one of the breed's most successful promoters. Her herd regularly won the top prizes at national shows. In 2008, Sue was given the Harry T. Burn award by the Belted Galloway Society for outstanding support of the breed. Sue's careful stewardship of Driftwood reflected her unwavering passion for conservation. In 2007, Sue donated a conservation easement over Driftwood to The Nature Conservancy. She was an avid supporter of The Nature Conservancy and the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and was a long-time board member of The Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw. Sue was preceded in death in 2010 by Gene. She is survived by a family of cousins, godchildren and friends of all ages. A private memorial service will be held in the spring. Memorials may be made to The Center of Birds of Prey at The Avian Conservation Center, P. O. Box 1247, Charleston, SC 29402 Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Feb. 5 to Feb. 6, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Susan Drew

Not sure what to say?





Jeanne Williams- Livesay

January 30, 2019

There have been so many times that I have wanted to find out some information and in my mind I said "let me call Sue" and came to an heart flutter knowing I could not call and find out my answer. She and Gene were introduced to me on a cold rainy night and I was welcomed into their home for so many years afterward. She was a dear dear woman, full of fun.

Peter Shepherd

October 11, 2017

She was the love of my life.

Jeanne Williams-Livesay

October 14, 2015

I just today learned of Sue's passing. Wondering why I did not contact her a couple of years ago - just put it off - like any good procrastinator. I am sad. Sue was a person I greatly admired for her caring for others, her grand dinners and for informal grand affairs, for the many times we spent at the Spoleto Festivals and dinners in town - ... Gene of course led to the concerts kicking and screaming because he had to go into town - but loving every minute of the folks who were surrounding him - and the culinary arts of the finest Chefs of Charleston. I have a heavy heart but beautiful memories - yet also a lot of reprimand of myself that I lost touch until today. Rest in peace my dear Susan

Randy Tisdale

January 1, 2015

I just recently learned of Sue's passing and I feel an emptiness in the world. Of anyone I have ever known Sue lived life on her terms.I worked for Sue at the Scarlet O'Hara in the late 1970s. I always admired Sue for her kindness, fairness and intellect. Also for her culinary skills (the girl could cook). I have wonderful memories of Sue and Gene at Driftwood.

June 21, 2014

We spent many wonderful hours enjoying wine with Sue. She will be dearly missed. Desmond & Betsy Garrity

Jeannie & George Wearn

March 18, 2014

We are recalling family memories and visits with Sue and Gene over the years and wishing there had been more. We will miss Sue greatly and are saddened to learn of her passing.

Randi Jones-Ackerman

February 24, 2014

When sue sue left she took a huge piece of my heart with her. I will remember her daily as I do grandpa gene gene! I feel her presence daily and think of her often. She was truly a magnificent woman! I am forever grateful for everything and humbled I could be with you through the end.

luther&tina(ms.luther) herndon

February 11, 2014

Mrs.Drew you r going to be missed. I just wanted to thank you and keith for giving luther a great job he loves it and yal on the farm.

February 11, 2014

Sue Drew was a treasure. Although I go way back to the 70's with memories of Molly Mops and the Brittney Spaniels,I am delighted we could of late pick up our relationships through letter and photos.I was a young bride and you were so instrumental in trying to help me understand the Drew men.Gene was a prince and so special,and yours was a true love story. God speed,Sandra

Barbara & Terry Bozon

February 7, 2014

We heard many great stories from Keith Jones about this wonderful woman, Sue Drew..we always wanted to meet Ms. Sue and am so sad I never got the chance.

Ms. Sue, I want to thank you for all that you have done, creating such a wonderful magical place that brings so much peace to to me.

We loved hearing the stories about you. You are an amazing, courageous woman who had the drive to accomplish ANYTHING your heart desired. Full of life...You have such a love for animals, especially your beloved Belties.... a love for Nature and life itself. You could see the beauty in so many things..and you appreciated it. Our type of person!

You had a zest for life, living it to its fullest...nothing would get you down. You've done it all!

You created a legacy that most only dream about....

To your family and to Keith Jones, We are so sorry for your loss...you all are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Ms. Sue, you are in Heaven now with her husband, watching the Belties that are there..your spirit will always be at Driftwood...your spirit is in the truck beside your husband driving around your beautiful land.

George & Jeannie Wearn

February 6, 2014

When a loved one becomes a memory that memory becomes a treasure. We are recalling family memories and visits with Sue and Gene over the years and wishing there had been more. We will miss Sue greatly and are saddened to learn of her passing.

February 6, 2014

Our sons still remember Sue taking them to Walmart to get supplies and the fun they had when they attended the Beltie camp. Sue had a way to fit in with every one, old or young. She was a tremendous supporter of the breed, the youth, and a friend to all. She will be missed but not forgotten.
Terry, Julie, Steve, and Chris Willis

Michelle Ogle

February 6, 2014

Always in our hearts and our thoughts, we will miss you!

Gin Wooten

February 6, 2014

Shannon, I know you will miss Sue. What a character she was! My thoughts are with you. Gin

Thomas Carper

February 6, 2014

Sue was a tremendous supporter of the Belted Galloway breed and consigned cattle to ever sale that I had the pleasure of calling over the years! She was a true advocate for the betterment of the breed and its members always spending more time promoting other consignments and supporting its youth, rather than marketing her own lots! She carried the eye and grit of a true competitor, and the heart and passion to motivate us all to bigger and better things!

Ron Howard

February 6, 2014

Miss Sue was one of a kind. A great friend to so many with empathy, respect and compassion for all. There will never be another Sue Drew in our Belted Galloway world and my family and I are so lucky to have known her. May she rest in peace.

Deb Williams ( Drew) Besancon

February 5, 2014

Sue was always kind to my Mom & I. She will be missed.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Make a Donation
in Susan Drew's name

Memorial Events
for Susan Drew

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Susan's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Susan Drew's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more