Susan Elaine Kirksey Dearing, 67, lifelong native of Elkins, a kind and thoughtful friend to all, passed away on February 15, 2020.

Born to James and Pauline Scranton Kirksey on December 23, 1952, Susan completed the family as the beautiful baby sister to older siblings Shirley and Sheridan.

Susan graduated from Elkins High School in 1970 and soon after joined the Army National Guard.

On May 9, 1983, Susan married Jimmy Dearing. With him she found the perfect partner. He showered her with adoration and nurtured that spark that made everyone instantly love Susan. In turn, Jimmy got to ride in the passenger seat of her fun-loving life. He also shared the more special time— the love, quietude, and consistency of home where there was always a Razorback game playing in the background.

A hard-worker, she moved into her career early, working as the Office Administrator at Northwest Arkansas Pathology for 30 years, where she wore many hats. Retirement didn’t slow her down. Always drawn to helping others, she started volunteering at the American Legion Post 27. She was a whirlwind of help, giving rides to doctors’ appointments, delivering Christmas presents and coming in early to do the books. Like everywhere she went, when she walked through the door at the Legion, everyone called out her name-for a laugh, a story, or a hug.

She also found deep joy and peace at the Baldwin Church of Christ. Susan recalled that the first time she attended, she felt like the preacher was talking directly to her. There, at church, she felt like her ever-extending family grew by 90 more people. She was refreshed by her deepened relationship with God.

Above all else, Susan was generous. She was generous in her friendships, never having met a stranger. She was generous in her love and loyalty to her family and was generous of her possessions for those who were in need.

Her tragic death left a sudden hole for all who knew her and the community to which she gave so much of herself. Many people are the recipients of her thoughtful generosity and will feel her loss deeply.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Pauline Kirksey and her husband, Jimmy.

She is survived by her sister, Shirley Steele and husband, Troy; brother, Sheridan Kirksey and wife, Judy; her nieces, Krista, Jami and Kiley; great-nieces, Addy and Emma; her step-sons, David and Brandon; and sisters-in-law, Liz Watson and Lou Dearing.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Beard’s Chapel.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday, February 21, 2020 at Cornerstone Church of Christ (formerly Baldwin Church of Christ) with Minister Keith Caselman officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery under the direction of Beard’s Chapel.