News Summary
Susie Manos Coleman, a beloved chef and educator known for her exceptional Greek cuisine, passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of love, family, and community spirit. Born in South Carolina, Coleman dedicated her life to nurturing others through her culinary talents and commitment to education. She co-owned a restaurant and was an active member of her church and school district, inspiring generations. Her family and friends remember her warmth and generosity, celebrating her life at a funeral service in the community she cherished.
Chapin, South Carolina — Susie Manos Coleman, a cherished chef and educator, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025, at the age of 69. She was known for her generous spirit, love of family, and exceptional culinary talent, particularly in Greek cuisine. Coleman leaves behind a legacy that celebrates community, love, and good food.
Coleman was born on June 16, 1955, in Bamberg, South Carolina, to parents Pete and Kitty Manos. She graduated from Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School and later attended the University of South Carolina. Throughout her life, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her family and community. She was married to Jacob Clark Coleman for 41 years, and together they raised three children: Kitty, Jacob, and Mary Margaret Coleman.
In addition to her dedication to her family, Coleman was known for her role in the hospitality industry. She co-owned a restaurant alongside her husband and brothers, deeply engaging in the culinary scene. Her passion for cooking, particularly in her Greek heritage, enabled her to create countless memorable meals for those she loved. She also worked closely with local family friend Jimmy Kokolis at Zorbas, further cementing her love for sharing good food and creating a warm atmosphere.
Coleman was a proud member of Main Street United Methodist Church and recently contributed to the Richland/Lexington School District Five as an educator. Her love for teaching and guiding children was a natural extension of her nurturing character, and she remained committed to educating and inspiring the younger generations.
Beyond her culinary contributions, Coleman was known for her profound love of nature. She harbored a childhood passion for Tennessee Walker horses, earning numerous trophies, and enjoyed climbing trees with her four brothers. Family vacations at Lake Murray were a significant part of her life, fostering a love of the outdoors that she shared with her children and grandchildren.
Those who knew Coleman described her as a person who encouraged laughter, love, and the sharing of meals. She valued good food as a means to connect with others and believed in nurturing relationships through shared experiences around the dinner table. Her legacy is one of kindness, community, and an enduring appreciation for culture and family.
Coleman is survived by her three children and three grandchildren, Dawson, Kearse, and Charley, who will carry on her spirit of generosity and love. She is also survived by her brothers Henry, Dan, Stat, and Frank Manos. She was predeceased by her brother Roy. Coleman’s family invites the community to come together to celebrate her life and legacy during a funeral service scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel.
A reception will follow the service to honor Susie Manos Coleman, whose impact on those around her will be remembered fondly. Her passing is a significant loss to her family, friends, and the entire community, leaving a void that reflects her vibrant life and the love she spread to everyone she encountered.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Susie Coleman
- Wikipedia: Cuisine of Greece
- Dignity Memorial: Mary Manos
- Google Search: Community Kindness Food
- Wikipedia: Nature
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CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
