Sue Bunch Chanson, 85, of Charleston, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest peacefully in her home on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
The daughter of the late Norma Dale and Douglas Calhoun Bunch, Sue was born on March 19, 1940 in New York City, New York. She moved to Charleston with her parents at the age of two and continued to live in Charleston during her young life. Sue graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. Later she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from the Citadel in 1973. Sue began her teaching career at Porter-Gaud school in 1970 and went on to teach English for forty years. Early on she became one of the first female teachers in the upper school when Porter Gaud was not yet coeducational. Sue served as the Chairman of the English department for many years. She was also instrumental in forming and leading the debate team at the school. Sue served as a college advisor and was heavily involved in guiding the student honor council. Her professional goal had always been to have an impact on her students that went beyond just teaching them English. After her long career, Sue retired from teaching in 2010. In her retirement, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She remained close with a group of life long friends known as The Supper Club who met regularly each month. Sue also enjoyed traveling and traveled extensively during her retirement having visited over twenty countries. She was active in her local community volunteering at the Lowcountry Senior Center and being an usher at the Gaillard Center and the Dock Street Theater. For many years, Sue served as a house manager for various events during Spoleto Festival USA. She enjoyed reading and music.
Sue is survived by her two daughters, Rhonda Chanson of Hollywood, S.C. and Erin McWhorter of Awendaw, S.C.; three grandchildren, Lauren Hamilton, Megan Folden, and Caroline McWhorter; five great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Toni Bunch of Morganton, GA. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Douglas Edward Bunch.
The family will receive friends Saturday February 14, 2026 at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc at 232 Calhoun Street Charleston S.C. from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. A graveside service will be held afterwards at Bethany Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to Porter-Gaud School or to the following charities- Lowcountry Food Bank, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Salvation Army.
Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.