Martha Sue (Drake) Maloney

Martha Sue Drake Maloney, 91, was born on January 7, 1934, on the family farm near Belton, South Carolina. She passed away peacefully on her 92nd birthday, surrounded by love and family.

Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Maloney; her parents, Ralph and Susie Drake; her brothers, Robert, David, and Ed Drake; and her sister, Bea Martin. 

She is survived by her brother, Burney Drake (Connie), her sons, Mike Maloney and Jay Maloney (Laurie), and her daughter, Lisa Maloney, as well as 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored. 

Sue grew up in Belton and Anderson, South Carolina, and later attended the Medical University of South Carolina, where she earned her Registered Nursing degree. She devoted her professional life to caring for others, serving as head nurse in pediatrics in Charlotte, North Carolina, and later working at the VA Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. After moving to Greenwood, South Carolina, Sue continued her service by volunteering for many years at Self Regional Healthcare.

Faith was an important part of Sue’s life. She was a devoted church member and attended Main Street United Methodist Church in Greenwood for more than 44 years.

Sue was known for her strong work ethic and independence. She loved sewing and working in her yard year-round and never shied away from hard manual labor—even operating chainsaws herself. After Charlie's passing, she continued to live independently in her Greenwood home for 10 years. She spent the final year and a half of her life in Gainesville, Georgia.

A constant companion through her later years was her beloved Goldendoodle, Levi, who was always by her side, including when Sue was walking him via the golf cart.

Sue will be remembered for her spunkiness, compassion, resilience, faith, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched through her nursing service and love for her family and friends.

As a testimony to her confident faith, in the last months of her life as her strength began to diminish, she often cheerfully said she was "ready to fly!"  On January 7, 2026, her desire to fly to the arms of Jesus became reality.

There will be a graveside service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Anderson, South Carolina at 11 am on January 9, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to honor her, please donate to a charity of your choice.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com  

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