Daughter of the late retired Army Col. Francis Max and Sarah Reed McCullar, Susan enjoyed growing up in a military family and the unique experiences it offered. In 1965, Susan married retired Army Col. James “Jim” I. McDowell. The couple met while she was working at the Post Exchange at (formerly) Fort Rucker, Ala.

Susan attended Kansas State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in home economics and was a member of the Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta) sorority.

Susan strongly supported Jim throughout his career, including managing their home while he was deployed two years in Vietnam. During 30 years of military service, she and Jim were stationed in Germany and numerous locations across the United States.

Susan was a proud Army wife and an active member of the military wives’ clubs, holding multiple leadership positions over the years. She enjoyed the social side of the Army and the lifelong friends gained over the years.

Upon retirement, Susan and Jim moved to Fairfield, where they spent a decade restoring a country manor built in 1776. For many years, Susan managed the daily operations of their antique store. Outside of antiques, gardening, quilting and knitting brought her great joy. She was a two-time president of the Rockbridge Pieceworkers Quilt Guild as well as a long-standing member of the Green Hills Garden Club.

Surviving are her husband of 58 years, Jim; daughter, Colleen Smith and husband James; her two grandsons, Declan and Caden Smith; and sisters, Mary Lou Dudley and husband Michael, and Maxine McCullar and husband Orville. Susan was a caring daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and sister. Equally so, she was a true animal lover — apparent by her pets’ unwavering love for her.

In December 2023, Susan and Jim moved from Fairfield to Louisville, Ky., to be closer to family. While Susan will be sadly missed, her kindness will forever be with those who knew her.