Suzanne Waring McCrary, age 54, passed away on June 20, 2026. She graduated from Wando High School and then Charleston Cosmetology Institute and built a career as a gifted Master Stylist and Master Colorist. She loved boat rides on Shem Creek and all around Charleston, swimming in the pool, cherishing time with her girls, anything connected to the Shem Creek shrimpers, being out in nature, and watching the sunset. She had a special love for Reuben sandwiches and was always talking about how she needed one. Though her life included many challenges, Suzanne demonstrated remarkable strength and determination. She was especially proud of maintaining sobriety during the final 1.5 years of her life, a testament to her courage and commitment to personal growth with the help of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Suzanne found strength, purpose, and community through Alcoholics Anonymous and the people who walked that road with her. Her recovery family meant the world to her, and helping others find their own place in recovery became one of her life's callings. Her family wants it remembered that Suzanne picked up her AA Infinity Chip as she gained her wings.

Born on January 7, 1972, Suzanne was the cherished daughter of the late Jean Clark Howe Archer. She is also survived by her fathers, Mark Archer and Philip Dunning Sr. She was also deeply blessed by the friendship and mentorship of the late Rosemary McMenamin, whose guidance and unwavering support meant so much to her throughout her life.

Suzanne’s greatest joy was her family. She leaves behind her beloved daughters, Ashley Starkey of Summerville, SC, and Rachel Rich of Nashville, Tennessee. She is also survived by her brothers, Philip Carl Dunning Jr., Lee Archer of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Benjamin Archer of Charleston, SC, along with Philip's children, Lucas Grey Dunning, Anderson Clark Dunning, and Madison Dunning Deckard, and her best friend of 17 years, Percy Johnson Smith, and many extended family members and friends who will deeply miss her presence.

Those who knew Suzanne will remember her for her loving heart, her resilience, and her devotion to the people she cared about most. Her journey was not always easy, but she faced life's obstacles with perseverance. She leaves behind a legacy of hope, strength, and love.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Medical ICU staff of Prisma Greer Memorial Hospital and to Pastor Ned Smith of Seacoast Church, McClellanville Campus, for their care, compassion, and support.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 12, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Isle of Palms Exchange Club, 201 Palm Boulevard, Isle of Palms, South Carolina 29451. In honoring Suzanne’s vibrant spirit and the joy she brought to those around her, the family asks that attendees wear bright, colorful clothing to her Celebration of Life. Suzanne would not have wanted a traditional somber gathering; instead, she would have wanted family and friends to come together to share memories, laughter, and love. Guests are encouraged to leave black attire at home and wear colors that reflect the warmth, energy, and individuality that Suzanne carried throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the family's expenses through the GoFundMe page or through Percy Smith, or to the recovery organizations that helped Suzanne find and maintain sobriety: Potter House Recovery in Florence, South Carolina, and Just For Today Women's Sober Living in Greenville, South Carolina, so that someone else may have the same chance at recovery through a scholarship as Suzanne did.

Suzanne’s memory will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”

If anyone has any questions regarding the service or anything regarding her passing, please reach out to Suzanne’s appointed Legacy Contact Percy Smith at 843-810-6261 

https://gofund.me/899510361