Susan Ann Todd

For Susan, being a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, friend, aunt, mentor, neighbor, and confidante were all honorable callings. Moreover, she was the true example of perseverance and strength. Susan Ann Todd was born on November 4, 1954, in Gurdon, Arkansas to Haywood and Eva Mae Sanders Todd. She gave her life to Christ at an early age and united with the New Mt. Zion Baptist Church family in Gurdon, Arkansas. Susan was a 1972 graduate of Gurdon High School. She married Pete Sims of Okolona, Arkansas. She had a strong work ethic and made many sacrifices to take care of her children. She worked for Taylor Brother’s Packing, South Fork Grill, and lastly Petite Jean Poultry until her health no longer permitted her to work. “Sus-Ann” as many called her possessed a friendly spirit and never met a stranger. Her life was well spent making friends across race, gender, and age as she tried to inspire everyone who crossed her path. She enjoyed playing softball with her uncle Sam Bell, basketball and just hanging out with family and friends. But more than that, she loved the Lord, and went home to be with Him on March 13, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents and two aunts Roberta Bluthethal and Bessie Mae Bell. She leaves a legacy of love and her memories will be cherished by her children: three beautiful daughters Lawanda (Ricky) McClure of Arkadelphia, Vanessa (Greg) Sims of Gurdon, and Roberta (Ed) Sorrells of Prescott; three handsome sons Jeffery (Candice) Blake of Arkadelphia, Apollo Blake of Dallas, TX and Bobby Harper, Jr., of Gurdon; one uncle James (Sharon Marie) Sanders of Prescott; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She also leaves her cousins, the Bell children who were raised as her brothers and sisters. A host of nieces, nephews, several cousins and numerous friends will forever miss her love, laugh and smile. Susan will lie in repose on Friday, March 23rd from 12:00 noon -7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends and family are invited to gather during the family hour from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. The last farewell and tributes to her life will be shared on Saturday, March 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Kingdom Authority Christian Ministries where Rev. Quintin Radford is the pastor. Rev. Rufus Hatley will preach the home going message. The committal service and final resting place will be at Shady Grove Cemetery in Beirne, Arkansas.