Cover photo for Susan Jo Calley's Obituary
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1949 Susan 2021

Susan Jo Calley

July 2, 1949 — November 8, 2021

Susan Jo Calley was born July 2, 1949 in El Dorado, Arkansas. She lived in nearby Smackover, Arkansas with her parents, L. E. Swim Jr. and Lorene Swim and sister Kay until she was in the third grade at which time the family moved to Gurdon, AR. There she flourished as a child involved in many activities including playing for the high school basketball team and being a cheerleader. At the young age of 15, Susan and one of her close friends met a young man on the main street of Gurdon who was driving a cool car. In those days all the cool kids would cruise the streets of downtown. The young man pulled over and asked if they would like to go for a ride in his “cool” car. He reports that the two fought over who would sit next to him in the middle seat. That young man’s name was Richie Calley. He recalls that it must have been the car because the blond beauty was the most gorgeous girl he had ever laid eyes on. She was his Marilyn Monroe! Rich was 19 years old at the time, much older, but there was an instant spark. From that day forward their lives changed and much to the dislike of Susan’s mother, they began dating.

After graduating from Gurdon High School, Susan attended Henderson State Teachers College pursuing a major in business where she received an associate degree in Business Administration. After dating four years, Susan and Richie were married on August 23, 1968. They moved to Pine Bluff, AR where Richie began working for the Paper Mill and Susan was employed as a secretary at Arkansas Power and Light Company. They lived life to the fullest as a young married couple. Richie’s love for fast cars definitely rubbed off on Susan. At one time they drove matching Corvettes. They jointly decided that one Corvette had to go when they discovered they were expecting their first child. Their daughter, Dee Dee was born June 17, 1973. They were delighted to begin growing their family.

Susan wasn’t happy living in Pine Bluff and without Richie’s knowledge, she applied him for a job in Benton, Ar at Alcoa. He was hired on the spot and the young family made the move to Benton in 1973. Four years later their small family was made complete with the arrival of a son, Bree. Susan began working with the Benton Independent School District where she remained for many years. She became the Superintendent’s secretary. Eventually she retired and began a joy-filled life with Richie. The two spent their retirement years traveling and going to car shows. Susan loved to travel; her favorite place on earth was Maui. The two made several trips to Hawaii with each one adding precious memories they would always treasure. In addition to travel, Susan loved crafting making wreaths, flower arrangements and collecting. However, her favorite hobby was spoiling her four grandchildren. She would have “Camp Calley” at her house in the summers where she and the grandkids would come up with all kinds of crafts and activities to do. Known for spoiling them with gifts, her eyes would light up every time she saw them. Christmas was always a treat for her. She would wrap what seemed to be hundreds of gifts making sure that each child and grandchild had the exact number of gifts to open. She was careful to ensure each one that they were loved equally. Susan was truly a beautiful person inside and out. Known as the caregiver of the family, she had a huge heart and the sweetest spirit imaginable. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

We are thankful that she is with the angels and is smiling and cheering us on as we endeavor to be the Christ-like individuals she inspired us to be.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Kay Gaines.

Susan is survived by her husband, Richard Calley; her son, Bree Calley; her daughter and son-in-law, Dee Dee and Jay Vittitow; four grandchildren, Tony Vittitow, JoAnna Vittitow, Reese Calley and Gray Calley; one brother-in-law, Mike Gaines; her nephew, Michael Gaines; extended family members and a host of wonderful friends.

A family conducted Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021, at 2:00 PM, in the Center Grove Methodist Church, Gurdon, Arkansas.

Visitation will be at 1:00 PM, prior to the service.

Honorary pallbearers are Mike Christy, Jonathan Jones, Bree Calley, Tony Vittitow and Jay Vittitow.

Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.

Guest registry at www.davis-smith.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Susan Jo Calley, please visit our flower store.

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