Susan Sexton Earnest, 75, of Fayetteville, passed from this world, surrounded by her family, on Monday, January 14, 2021 after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her husband, Hugh; children, Shannon (Jason McClelland) and Brent (Kate Mitchell); grandchildren, Beck, Ethan and Lily; six siblings; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She leaves behind a memory of a caring, loving and committed person that will be honored and kept alive by her family and friends. For those who knew her longest, she was known as Saint Sue for her grace during the wonderful and complex 53-year relationship with her husband Hugh.
Susan dedicated herself to helping people through her career as an ophthalmic nurse. She returned to school to get her bachelor’s degree in political science at the age of 57, and later worked as a nurse navigator for women with breast cancer through the Washington Regional Cancer Support Home.
Susan was tenacious and kind, adventurous and caring. She found joy in the every day bits of life, and her infectious laugh brightened the day of those around her. She was a loving wife, caring mother, dedicated friend, and engaged citizen.
She will be remembered for a life well lived and will never be forgotten.
A memorial service will be scheduled later this year, when appropriate, to celebrate this wonderful human. Donations in her honor may be made to the Washington Regional Cancer Support Home.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Maddie and family,
I am so sorry I never got to meet Susan, but I know she was an amazing woman, because I have seen the amazing daughter she raised. Love and comfort to you all in the coming weeks.
Maddie, your mom was an amazing woman. The first time I met her, I loved her energy—bright, loving, positive. Her energy never changed. She was a positive force in our world. I know your grief is deep because the love you had for one another was deep. I’m here for you.
Sue was a wonderful Aunt and an amazing person, someone you always knew would be there for you with a smile and positive attitude. I will miss her but she will always be in my heart. Much love to the Earnest family!
To Maddie and Family,
Your mom was a great lady. Please know I’m sending all my love to you all.
Love,
Jill
She was the best big sister, friend and anything else! Love her to the moon and back!
Susan taught me so much. She was a wonderful big sister.
I met Susan in person only once, but I kept up with what and how she was doing through Maddie, or Shannon as I recalled her mom calling her when I was there. Susan struck me as a woman who made up her own mind about how to deal with what life gave her. I know she will be greatly missed by the whole Earnest clan and all of her extended family. She lives now through all she imparted to all of you. God bless and comfort you all.
Susan was an extraordinary woman with such a beautiful soul. Her love and generosity touched so many people.She still resides within her beloved family and all who loved and knew her. Her fun loving and generous spirit lives on in our memories. May her light shine bright and warm in the void that she has left behind. We will miss her smile and the laughs we shared. Sincere condolences to her family.
Hugh
So sorry for your loss.
Susan guided me though my own journey with cancer 10 years ago when she was at the Washington Regional Cancer Support Home. She answered so many questions in her soft spoken voice, making sure I understood exactly what was going to happen. She was the one of the kindest people I have ever met. My sympathy to her family for your loss.
Hugh, dear. I am deeply saddened to learn of Susan’s death. She fought a courageous battle and I know she will be missed by the many people whose lives she touched. May she Rest In Peace.
Dear Maddie,
I did not know your mom, but I know you!! She must have been one incredibly fantastic woman to have such an amazing
daughter! My deepest condolences to you all. It is so hard to lose a mom.
Love and hugs,
Teri & Ralph
Hugh, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family have our deepest sympathy in this time of grief. Knowing you for as long as I have, Susan must have indeed been a saint. Hope you and your family are well. May the Lord be with you all.
Hugh we loved susan in Little Rock and fayetteville. She was a wonderful person and so empathic. Please know we see our sympathy on this profound loss.
Ann and Morriss
To Hugh and his family, my deepest condolences to you for the loss of your loved one.
I am so sorry to hear of Susan’s passing. She was truly a special person, exemplary of how I have always endeavored to be. She was so helpful to my mom during her own bout with cancer that I will always remember her for that alone. She was also a perfect bookend counterpart to that lovingly cantankerous husband of hers. Hugh, please feel free to reach out to me if there is anything I can offer to help you with.
So very sorry for your family I know Susan’s passing levels a big hole in the family. Didn’t see Susan often but when our paths crossed it was always a joy! Prayers for all of you.
My wife and I love Sue. Her joy and kindness was abundant. We’re holding your family in our thoughts and are here for Hugh if anything is needed. Warmest condolences. –
Aunt Susan was an amazing woman.
Sincerest condolences Hugh
Every time Sue and Hue come to New Mexico they always make a pit stop in Albuquerque and make plans to meet up with us. Sydney loves to exchange jokes with Hue. The last time we saw them, right before we said goodbye, Sue asked me if I thought a fart joke would be okay for her to tell Sydney.I laughed and said yes. Sue asked Sydney in an Irish accent, “Why did the Irishman only put 239 beans in the soup?” Sydney said, “I don’t know, why?” Sue replied, “Because 1 more would have made it too farty!” We all burst out laughing and now, we often think of that moment and how much joy and laughter Sue brought us.
She was always a voice of peace and comfort when we spoke over the phone. She gave us love and encouragement. I will miss her tremendously and my family will miss her as well. We wish we could give Hue (Uncle Tractor) and Maddie and Brent a hug. We love you all.
Jim and I send our deepest condolences.
We will miss her. Hugh, my dear friend, I know you will miss her most. Beverly and I send our deepest sympathies.
Hugh, My thoughts & prayers are with you in the loss of Susan. I know she was your soul mate & an amazing woman. May your wonderful memories bring you comfort & peace during this difficult time.
Son David just called to tell me about Susan. We are all so very sorry and will be praying for God’s comfort and peace for all of you. How much family fun we had when you all lived here in De Queen! Love and Hugs to all, Sharon Dykes
Sincere condolences to you and your family, Maddie. Please know I am thinking of you all in this sad and difficult time of loss, and praying for your peace and comfort. Your mom was truly a remarkable woman. May you continue to carry her joy and strength forward.
Susan was always a welcome sight; big smile, always remembered my name even though we we weren’t close. An invigorating spark of intelligence, camaraderie and creativity. You will be missed.
Rest in peace, Sue. What a beautiful, joyful, and kind family you created and will always be a part of. I’m sending you all lots of love and my heartfelt condolences. Although it’s been some time since we’ve all been together as an extended family, I will always remember Sue’s groundedness and light, a continued and true role model for all of us. Miss you all. Xx Kirstan Clifford
We were so saddened to hear of Susan’s passing. The memories of our friendship with Susan and Hugh have been dear to us through the years.
So saddened by your loss!
Hugh,
From myself and all of the Board and members of the Mulberry River Society, we send our deepest condolences 💐 at the passing of your beloved wife Susan.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Hugh and the entire family during this time of mourning and celebration of life. Hope to see you at deer camp in the fall, Mr. Earnest!
Love,
The Posts (Gregg, Leslie, and Owen)
Sorry to hear that news. Thoughts are with you, Hugh.
Dear Hugh,
Susan left an indelible mark on many hearts, including mine. She was indeed a very special lady. My deepest condolences to you and all those who she touched with her love.
Hugh,
I am so sorry for your loss of dear Susan.
She was a very special lady and I just thought the world of her.
Hugs to you at this very sad time.
Jeanne Helms
Susan always brightened my day when I saw her! Deepest sympathy for a loss of a wonderful woman! I know you have special memories that will help buoy you up in the days ahead!
Susan was a godsend to me when I went through training at The Jones Eye Institute. She was so knowledgeable and she watched over all the residents like a mother hen! She was respectful and a great teacher.
I was fortunate to interact with her in NWA after she came up here, too. I remember how fondly she spoke of Hugh and their children and grandchildren. I will always keep her in my heart and my prayers are with you all.
Hugh and Family,
You have my deep condolences on Susan’s death. After you retired, Hugh, it seemed as if you were together everywhere I saw you. You will miss Susan terribly. My thoughts and care will be with you.
I was a classmate of Sue’s in our nursing program. We lived in a dorm, students on second floor and the nuns on the third. I remember how Sue was smiling almost every day of those three years. When I look at her photo here, I can still see the girl in her eyes. She embraced all the new life of nursing and all the crazy things we did as a group. I’m so sorry she had such a mean illness as cancer. I know she wanted to be with you all in her family and friends every day she could. I wish I could have had just one conversation with the woman she turned out to be.
I’m grateful for the time I got to spend with Sue, who had such a kind and joyful presence. Sending lots of love to your family during this time. I can see how much you all mean to each other and the kindness and intentionality you all bring to each other (yes, I can tell remotely!), and I know that your strong bond will help you heal together. Lots of love and please let me know if there’s anything I can do to support you all. Love, Mirielle