Suzanne Madsen Tuten

Suzanne Madsen Tuten (“Nana”) of Charleston, South Carolina entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 5th surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on September 13, 1942, on Johns Island to Robert Allen Madsen and Margaret Rodgers Madsen.

Nana spent her childhood enjoying everything the Lowcountry offers and developed a special love for fishing, sailing and eating crabs. She cherished these memories and the lifelong friendships she made with her classmates at St. John’s High School, which were sustained by regular lunches and dinners together.

After “a visit” to the University of South Carolina and stops in Yonges Island and the Hampton Park area of Charleston, Nana moved to Columbia and eventually married her lifelong friend, William “Parker” Tuten, Jr. and enjoyed thirty years of marriage. With her daughters, Margaret “Rhett” Davis Bearden and Amanda Davis Reid (Billy), and stepson, William Parker Tuten, III (Dorcas), she and Parker spent several years in Allendale, SC. The family eventually built a beautiful home on Edisto Island which, as the children created families of their own, served as a retreat for holidays and special occasions.

Nana always prioritized her grandsons, Casey Bearden (Tiffany) and Matthew Reid, and cherished the opportunity to host them at Edisto and share her love of the Lowcountry. She also took them each on trips to enjoy her home in Cashiers, NC. Nana enjoyed sharing in their pride, and her own mischief, as they turned over rocks to find critters and foliage to bring back to their parents, her daughters.

Nana’s formidable presence could be felt by those she allowed into her close circle of family and friends, and she could regularly be found sharing wine and good stories around the dinner table with those she loved most. She maintained her love of a good book, traveling to UNESCO parks, sailing and Lowcountry recipes.

Nana has shared a wonderful relationship with her life partner, Dr. Edward Phillips. The two met in their teens and were pen pals for many years before Edward contacted her again eleven years ago. With her “Chocolate Cockers,” Cappuccino and Banjo, they moved from Edisto to James Island to be closer to her children, grandchildren, and now, great-grandchildren, Barrett and Remi Bearden. With the move, family gatherings shifted to Mandy and Billy’s home down the street where her love, laughter, and appreciation of food and drink are passed along to each generation. Nana will be missed by her family, friends and all who had the pleasure of being in her company.

Services for Suzanne will be held at noon on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The burial will be held graveside. Refreshments and time with family will be after the burial in the church parish hall. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church at 3673 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr Inc. - Downtown Chapel.