Susan Carlton Bailey

Susan Carlton Bailey, 70, went to her heavenly reward on Thursday, June 5, 2025 after a two-year battle with liver cancer. There to greet her were mother, Harriet Lorraine Rozzell; father, Conley Steele Carlton; brother, Conley “Buzz” Steele Carlton; and brother, Michael Anthony Carlton. She is survived by her husband, Ralph Bailey of Florence, SC; son, Michael Carlton (Brian) of St. Louis, MO; sister, Sandy Laprocina of Greensboro, NC, and sister-in-law, Rebecca Bailey of Florence, SC.

Susan was born on January 7, 1955 to Lorraine and Conley Carlton in Logan County, WV. She was a proud daughter of coal-mining Appalachia, even becoming ‘Rinky Dink’ Queen in high school in Oak Hill, WV. She graduated from Concord College (now Concord University) in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in English. She gave birth to her son Michael on Christmas morning of 1986. Between 1986 and 1993, she taught school and managed childcare centers in West Virginia, North Carolina, and Virginia, before ultimately settling in Greenville, SC. She met the love of her life, Ralph, in 1995, as a member of White Oak Baptist Church. They were married in 1997 in Taylors, SC. They loved one another immensely throughout their 28-year marriage, and their love grew through their dedication and commitment to being servants of Christ.

Because of her faith and training, Susan was deeply committed to the well-being and of children. After teaching and working in childcare, she became a guardian ad litem in Greenville County where she advocated on behalf of many children in court.

Later in life, she and Ralph became missionaries, traveling across in the United States. Together they shared the Gospel with anyone who would listen and took a special interest in assisting those less fortunate, homeless, or unhoused.

They eventually settled in Florence, SC in 2020 to be closer to family. They joined South Florence Baptist Church where Susan let the light of Jesus shine through her to everyone who had a chance to meet her. Susan’s Sunday School and Bible study groups were foundational in her daily life in Florence.

Throughout her entire life, Susan was an avid artist, crafter, and all-around tinkerer. She loved being busy with her hands, making gifts for others to help bring a smile to their face. She and Ralph also founded AngelWorks, their craft business, and traveled all over the country selling their handicrafts.

While immensely dedicated to her work, hobbies, and family, Susan never failed to find time to go to the beach. Feeling the sand between her toes was her absolute greatest joy in life which she enjoyed one last time in her final days.

Her family and friends are celebrating her life Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 am at South Florence Baptist Church. All are welcome to attend and share their love for Susan. For those who can’t join the service will be streamed on the church’s Facebook page.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a gift in her memory to the University of South Carolina School of Medicine so they may continue to research and understand the devastating effects of liver cancer. Gifts may be made online at https://donate.sc.edu (select Carolina Fund: School of Medicine - Columbia) or mailed to Office of Advancement, USC of school of Medicine, 6311 Garners Ferry Road, Building 3, Columbia, SC 29209.