Susan Elizabeth Calhoun

Susan Calhoun transitioned from her earthly life into the arms of her Heavenly Savior on September 24, following a stroke. Susan was born on August 11, 1950, at Emory Hospital to Alison M. Fincher, Jr. and Mildred Hale Fincher. She grew up in Decatur, GA, and attended Decatur City Schools, where she met her future husband in the fourth grade. After graduating from Decatur High School, she attended North Georgia College, Georgia State University, and the University of South Florida. In 1972, she married James L. “Jim” Calhoun. They were blessed with five children. Susan was predeceased by her parents and by her daughters, Jennifer and Meghan, who both died in infancy. She is survived by her husband; sons, Matthew and Davis; daughter, Hannah Loyd (Phil); and granddaughter, Eleanor Grace “Ellie” Loyd. She is also survived by her sisters, Alyson (David) and Amy (Chuck); her brother, Don (Jean); several cousins; and numerous nieces and nephews. Following Meghan’s death in 1983, Susan and Lynne Conboy—whom she befriended during their children’s stays at Egleston Hospital—started a support group for parents of chronically and terminally ill children, known as FOCUS (Families of Children Under Stress). Susan served as the organization’s Executive Director for its first ten years, until health issues necessitated her turning over the leadership to another FOCUS parent. FOCUS remains active 42 years after its inception and today serves approximately 5,000 families across the state of Georgia. Susan grew up at First Baptist Church of Decatur, and she and Jim were active members after their marriage until they moved to Conyers in 1986. Since then, they have been active members of Haven Fellowship Church. A celebration of Susan’s life will be held at Haven Fellowship Church, 2240 Smyrna Rd, Conyers, GA 30094, on Sunday, October 5. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:45 p.m., with the memorial service starting at 2:00 p.m. The family encourages Susan’s friends to consider making a donation in her memory to Families of Children Under Stress, Inc., 3825 Presidential Parkway, Suite 103, Atlanta, GA 30340. https://focus-ga.org/donate

Susan Elizabeth Calhoun

August 11, 1950 - September 24, 2025