Sue Smith Curran McLeese

1943 - 2025

Sue Smith Curran McLeese

September 28, 1943 - July 26, 2025

Columbia, South Carolina - Sue Smith Curran McLeese, 81, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her four children, on July 26, 2025. She navigated her cancer journey with courage and dignity – never once losing her sense of humor nor her gratitude for a lifetime of blessings. She was born in Florence, South Carolina, on September 28, 1943, to the late Edna Hunnicutt Smith and Robert Preston Smith. Throughout her life, she shared beautiful stories of her childhood growing up on the family farm off Pamplico Highway in a loving home built by her father and uncles. She picked fruits and vegetables from the garden, gathered eggs from the coop, and enjoyed homemade bread and sticky buns from her mother's kitchen, honey from her father's bee hives, and beef from cattle raised in the front pasture. She rode horses whenever she had a free moment (saving enough to buy her very first pony, "Lady"), sang in the church youth choir, and proudly wore the latest poodle skirts and sweater sets handmade by her mother. She was a graduate of McClenaghan High School (voted Most Original), Wingate Junior College (Homecoming Court and cheerleading squad alternate), and the University of South Carolina where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Education and a Master of Education degree in Community and Occupational Programs.

In 1964, between her junior and senior years of college, Sue was named Miss Florence and later crowned Miss South Carolina – where she was voted Miss Congeniality and Best Interview. She later began her career at IBM where she met and married the now late William (Bill) Barger Curran, with whom she had four children: Kelly, Bill, Susan, and Heather - living first in Gastonia, NC, then Atlanta, GA, and finally settling in Columbia, SC.

Sue experienced a successful career as a fundraiser, marketer, and public relations executive in the nonprofit, human services, and educational spaces – ensuring every role focused in some way around reaching and serving the most vulnerable or marginalized. She served as Director of South Carolina Cares for Children – a division of the South Carolina Council on Child Abuse and Neglect; Director of Marketing and Promotions for the Gamecocks Athletic Department at her alma mater, the University of South Carolina; Executive Director for the South Carolina State Museum; Vice President for Major Gifts at the Palmetto Health Foundation; and Area Executive Director for the American Cancer Society. Of her many roles, the one of which she was most proud was serving as Executive Director of Midlands Middle College, an institution she founded and one that is still thriving today, serving a significant percentage of economically disadvantaged students all under the mission of providing an alternative educational program for at-risk students who may not otherwise thrive in traditional high school settings. Her school office was a safe space – a haven – for teenagers. She offered her personal cell number, a shoulder to lean on, a voice of wisdom, and whatever support was needed. We recall family vacations where Mom would receive a phone call from a student in need. She always answered. Always engaged. Her figurative door was always open. As she did her entire life, she saw a need, something she could no longer "un-see," and took action. She gathered the right partners, raised the resources needed, and just figured out how to make it happen! Throughout her life in all areas, it was her remarkable courage and resilience that set her apart and paved the way for great success and positive impact wherever she went. Not only was she a force of strength and bravery, but she was also one of the funniest and most joyful personalities in the room, drawing people to her warmth, kindness, and unique light.

She donated time as a board member for a number of organizations including: University of South Carolina School of Nursing, Mental Health Association of South Carolina, Governor's Task Force on Dropout Prevention, Military Affairs Committee, Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, president Association of United States Army (AUSA) – Fort Jackson Chapter, and Columbia Rotary.

She said some of the best years were spent married to the love of her life - the late Donald G. "Ike" McLeese - former president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and civilian aide to the Secretary of Army. His commitment to honoring every soldier within his reach was his life's calling. Together, they were an incredible force for good in the community.

But her four children were her greatest joy. She was their biggest fan, most loyal confidant, and fiercest advocate. Her children's friends also loved to be around her. Her sense of humor and kindheartedness were contagious. And to her seven grandchildren, she was the amazing GrandMam or Cakes – the fun grandmother. Really fun. Each thought they were the favorite. And they were. On one car ride back home after an annual summer week visiting GrandMam, one of her grandchildren spoke for them all, whispering from the backseat, "I love you, Mom." (thoughtful pause) "But I REALLY love GrandMam."

Sue/Mom/Mama/GrandMam/Cakes will be greatly missed. She is survived by her five children: Kelly Curran Johnson and her sons, Caleb McLauchlin Johnson and William Luke Johnson of Dunwoody, GA; Dr. William (Bill) Daniel Curran (Michelle Kelley Curran) and their children, William Patrick Curran and Adelyn (Addie) Grace Curran of Simpsonville, SC; Dr. Susan Curran Satterfield (Dr. Bryan Holland Satterfield) and their daughters, Sylvie Diana Satterfield and Maeve Holland Satterfield of Greenville, SC, Heather Anne Curran of Denver, CO, and Rev. LeDayne McLeese Polaski (Dr. Thomas W. Polaski) and daughter, Katherine (Kate) Rebecca Polaski. Also surviving is her niece and dear friend, Dawn Smith Jordan, her sister, Barbara Smith Lawrimore, her brother, Robert P. Smith, Jr., and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the entire PRISMA Hospice Team, especially Dr. Karin Miller Jenkins and Kelly Hayne, and Sue's entire team of compassionate home caregivers: Jacqueline, Gwen, Bridget, Erika, Laura, and Ashley for their medical expertise and kind and thoughtful care of our Mom to the end. We are forever grateful.

A private memorial service will be held for the immediate family at a later date. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Midlands Middle College: 1260 Lexington Drive, Springdale Hall, West Columbia, SC 29170 | (803) 822-3333 | info@midlandsmiddlecollege.com | https://midlandsmiddlecollege.com/.

A life so well done. We love you, Mom.