Susan Elizabeth Merchant Cardwell of 221 Pinehurst Heights Road in Hot Springs, Virginia, died Monday, September 4, 2017 at her home.

Mrs. Cardwell was born in Bath County, a daughter of the late Samuel Merchant and Elsie Williams Merchant.

She was also preceded in death by a sister, Janet, a brother, Sam Jr., a sister-in-law, Alberta, and brother-in-law, Buddy.

Susan grew up in Hot Springs, where she graduated from Bath County High School. After completing high school she worked at the Homestead Hotel and was later employed at Kay Cottage. She also loved working alongside her husband Donald until she was no longer able to do so.

She was married to her husband, Donald on September 21, 1988, whom she loved to no end. They became inseparable. Susan was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness and became an active member of the Covington Congregation, where she and her husband set a true example of Christian dedication, love, and devotion to everyone that knew them. Susan enjoyed attending and participating in the Kingdom Hall meetings and sharing bible based knowledge with others by witnessing to others.

One of her greatest joys was witnessing alongside her husband and two great friends, Debbie and Betty. She thoroughly enjoyed fellowship with her Christian brothers and sisters, reading the Bible and Bible-based literature and publications. This enabled her to build a solid relationship with Jehovah God.

Susan loved her family and friends dearly. She always aided when others needed assistance or was ill, even when she was not feeling at her best. Known for her quick wit, sense of humor, and beautiful smile, she was a great joy to be around. Susan also enjoyed traveling, eating out, baking, knitting, crocheting, cross stitching, needle point, and sewing. She also loved to listen to Jazz music.

Her loyalty and faithfulness to her creator until her passing epitomized true Christian faith, setting a wonderful example to be followed by others. Susan will be missed by her family and fellow believers, all of whom will eagerly look forward to seeing her when she is resurrected in paradise. As she would say, "My future is so bright I have to wear shades."

In addition to her husband of 29 years, she is survived by a daughter, La Shawn and her husband, Junior of Upper Marlboro, MD; five sons: Donald Jr. of Ohio, Douglas of Denver, CO, Eric of Richmond, John and his wife, Kim, Nathan and his wife, Caneesha, both of Covington; 13 grandchildren: Tahj, Dasean, T.J., Tanay, Emily, Tyrissa, Ryan, Charles, Tradonna, Christina, Shemar, Kara, and Emily; a brother, Robert and his wife, Joann of Lexington; a sister, Nancy of Richmond, three sisters-in-law, Ernestine of Statesville, NC, Bertha Mae of Richmond, and Elizabeth and her husband, Rucker of Covington; two brothers-in-law, Albert of Richmond and James of Clearwater, FL; and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In keeping with her wishes, her body has been cremated.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Arritt Funeral Home with Elder Elsid Frye officiating.

The family will receive their friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time at Arritt Funeral Home.