Sue graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello with a Bachelor of Education. She began her career as a health and physical education teacher in Louisiana. Later, she spent the majority of her career working for Child Support Enforcement for the State of Arkansas, helping secure child support for many single mothers in the area. Sue had a lifelong passion for animals and was an avid horseman. In her younger years, she barrel raced at local and state rodeos. In later years, she developed a passion for donkeys that started with her beloved donkey, Lilly. Her donkey family grew with the addition of Rosie and the surprise of her son, Ziggy. Sue spent endless hours at the barn connecting with her donkeys and helper, Melvin. She had many lifelong friends and numerous cousins in the area. Some of Sue's other passions included reading, gardening, and spending time with friends and family. She was quick-witted and had a great sense of humor. Sue was active within her church, First Baptist of Monticello, and served on the bereavement committee for many years. She also was a member of the Night Owls Extension Club. In addition to her parents, Sue was also preceded in death by her son, Jason Hartness; and a sister, Nona Ellen Wood.
She is survived by a grandson, Alex Parson and his wife Veronica, and their daughter Josie from Texarkana, AR; a niece, Jerri Lynn Whiting and her 3 children Zoey, Gabrielle, and Christian from Lee's Summit, MO; a nephew, James A Wood, III and Jacee from Rolla, MO and their 3 children Jessica, Jaime and her son James, and Jacee.
Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Billy Collins officiating. There will be a visitation from 1:00-2:00 p.m. preceding the service. Memorials may be made to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue or First Baptist Church of Monticello. You can sign Sue's guestbook registry on this page.
Condolences(8)
Jane Hyatt
Los Molinos, CA Sunday, April 14, 2024 I worked with Sue at Child Support. She was very helpful and really a lot of fun. I am sorry to hear of her son Jason’s passing. I know Monticello will miss her as will her passion for her animals.Dr Steven Hand
Hermitage, PA Saturday, April 6, 2024 RIP Ms. Sue. You supported us all growing up. You had a wonderful smile, and I will always remember growing with Jason and you being at every event together. God bless!!!Sharon Shook McIntyre
Monticello, AR Sunday, March 10, 2024 Family of Sue,Though she was several years my senior, I have fond memories of Sue over my lifetime. When I & my brothers, Richard & Jerry & sister Roxanne were growing up on Borchardt St, Sue would ride what appeared to me at the time in the early 60's, her gigantic white horse, by our house. My brothers were her age & were teenagers at the time but my sister & I were youngsters & always outside playing. Sue would invite my sister to go for a ride on her giant horse, my sister loved it. Many years later I worked with Sue from a professional standpoint. She was with Child Support Enforcement & I was in Payroll at Burlington with one of my responsibilities being, setting up child support payments from employees checks. She & I worked closely to ensure this was done for the families. Sue was firm, funny, witty, smart, & did not pull any punches. If she liked you she liked you. I had a few conversations with her before she became sick & one after she fell ill. I know she will be missed by those who were blessed to know her. My thoughts & prayers are with her family.
Sincerely,
Sharon
Frances Hampton
Warren, AR Saturday, March 9, 2024 My condolences and sympathy is extended to Sue’s family and loved ones. I was sorry to hear of her passing. I have known Sue many years and worked with her for the Child Support Enforcement office. She dedicated many years to the State of Arkansas and worked tirelessly to see that families received financial support. I affectionately called her the DINOSAUR because she was one of the first case workers. We did not keep in touch after she retired but I will always remember her and the fun times we had working together. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes” Revelation 21:4Gail Kizer
Dermott, AR Saturday, March 9, 2024 Sue was one of my best friends. Our friendship started, probably about 50 years ago. She was a barrel racer and so was I. Whether we were competing against each other or just riding for the fun of it, we had so much fun. When we both got too old to compete, we still kept in touch. We talked to each other very often and would go out to eat with a couple other friends often. She and I thoroughly enjoyed talking about God and what all he has done for us. Both of us had problems trying to figure out why some people has trouble believing in God. One thing for sure, Sue loved our God and, without a doubt, she is with him today. It really hurt me to go see her the day she died when she was unable to realize I was there. I miss my donkey-loving friend, Sue.Pam McDougald
Montiicello, AR Friday, March 8, 2024 Sue and Jason were our neighbors growing up. My mom and Sue were really good friends. Sue was a-lot of fun, I will miss her dearly.Beverly Hood
Monticello, AR Friday, March 8, 2024 Sorry for the loss of my neighbor and friend. Her husband was best man in my marriage.Jerry L. Berry
Longview, TX Thursday, March 7, 2024 So sorry to hear of the passing of Sue Cox (when I went to school with her) Hartness.! I remember our typing class, she had those nimble fingers and she could just catch that manual typewriter on fire.God bless you all as I know she will be missed but remember she is now in the arms of Jesus Christ where we all are looking forward to being in our final resting place.
Jerry L. Berry
Longview, Texas
346-420-4479