Susan Gaillard Taylor Hemminger entered eternal rest on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at her residence in Charleston, SC.
Her Funeral Service will be 11:00 AM, Monday, December 8, 2025, at the James A. McAlister Chapel, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. The Burial will follow at Live Oak Cemetery, Walterboro. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the Chapel.
Born in Charleston on December 31, 1943, Susan was the first daughter of Susanne Gaillard Lowndes Taylor and Francis Bergh Taylor of Charleston, both deceased. She will be dearly missed by her friends and family. Her beloved husband, retired Lt. Colonel John Hemminger, passed away in 2006. Susan graduated from Moultrie High school then obtained her undergraduate and master's degree in education after attending Radford College in Virginia, the University of South Carolina and the Citadel. She loved teaching at Whitesides Elementary School in Mount Pleasant for over 25 years.
Susan was a faithful member of St. Philip's Church where she served on the Alter and Flower Guild for over 30 years. Her civic service included being a member of the Huguenot Society of South Carolina, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Society of First Families of South Carolina, the Ladies Benevolent Society, the National Society of United States Daughters of 1812, the Garden Club of Charleston and the Edgewater Park Garden Club. Susan assisted with multiple projects for the Huguenot Society. She was a member of the committee that wrote the book, "The Huguenot Church in Charleston", a collection of French protestant families who came to South Carolina starting in the 17th Century.
Susan is survived by her two brothers, Arthur Manigault Taylor (Mary Ann) and Francis Bergh Taylor; brother-in-law, David Buck Smith, stepson-in-law, John Adams; stepgrandaughter, Taylor Louise Adams; nephews, Beau Amadeus Dream (Anarka), David Latham Smith (Jessica), Stephen Gaillard Smith, Arthur Manigault Taylor, Jr., Francis Bergh Taylor, Jr. and Charles Lowndes Taylor (Lauren); nieces, Susanne Lowndes Taylor and Anna Buck Smith (Frederic); and many great-nieces and nephews.
Susan was predeceased by her stepdaughter, Kafer Ellen Hemminger Adams; sister-in-law, Sarah Parsons Means Taylor and her sister, Charlotte Lowndes Taylor Smith.
The family would like to thank the caregivers that took care of Susan over the years. They were truly remarkable and so dedicated to enhancing her life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saint Philip's Church, 142 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401 or the Huguenot Society of South Carolina, 138 Logan Street, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401.
Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. 843-766-1365.
James A. McAlister Funeral Home
James A. McAlister Chapel
Live Oak Cemetery
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