Susan “Susie” Kistler

Susan Amanda Meadors Barkley Kistler, 74, of Camden, SC was received by her creator at 0630 on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.

She was born on March 15, 1949, in San Antonio, TX to parents James (Jim) M. Meadors and Ila C. Meadors, while her father was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base.

She graduated from Dentsville High School in 1967, and then from Greenville College of Nursing in 1970 where she received her RN. She was the first of her family to graduate from both high school and college. She went on to work as a nurse at Providence Hospital for 39 years. She retired in 2009.

She married Dale Barkley, Sr. on October 16, 1970, in Columbia, SC. Even though doctors told her she would never be able to have children, in 1979, they had a son. Dale was taken from them in January of 1981 while on duty as a City of Columbia Police Officer. She was a working single mother for the next 5 years, until she re-met the man who would love her for the rest of her life. She married George Kistler on February 15, 1986. Together they now had 3 sons and eventually added a daughter. This was the second child she was never supposed to be able to have. 

She was a sweet soul that never met a stranger and displayed the love of God to whomever she was with. She always had a song on her lips and an encouraging word for those around her. She was loved by all who knew her and well respected by all who worked with her. She enjoyed boating, fishing, and traveling with her family and friends for as long as her health allowed. Lighthouses and turtles were among her favorite things to collect and visit.

Susan was reunited at her passing with her parents, Jim and Ila Meadors; Brother, James (Jimmy) Meadors; Husband, Dale Barkley Sr; and Daughter, Amanda Kistler.

She leaves behind her loving husband, George Kistler, and sons: Shane Kistler, Dale Barkley, and Markell Kistler with their families, many grandchildren, and extended family who she loved and cherished.

She was also loved and cared for by the wonderful staff from McCloud’s Home Care and MUSC Kershaw Hospice. These ladies went above and beyond to display truly compassionate care as her body failed to keep up with her soul in her final months. We (her family) offer you our sincerest gratitude for all your assistance through this trying time. 

A memorial will be held at North Columbia Baptist Church on July 29, 2023. The family will receive visitors from 1-2PM, followed by a service from 2-3pm. In lieu of flowers, we the family ask you to make a donation in her name to your choice of Harvest Hope Food Bank, Sister Care, or North Columbia Baptist Church. All of these organizations were near to her heartand have missions she actively supported her entire adult life.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Susan “Susie” Kistler, please visit our floral store.