Susie Jane Collins was born on Friday, January 17^th, 1930 at Ryker, Arkansas.  She died on Saturday, September 21^st, 2024 at Fayetteville, Arkansas.  She lived 94 years, 8 months, and 4 days.  To many, this would seem like a long life, but to those of us who knew her and loved her it remains much too short.

Susie was the 5^th of twelve children born to Rev. William Harrison and Rosie Lee Williams Collins.  She was born at the start of the Great Depression, a time of extreme economic hardship when faced with unprecedented levels of unemployment, housing instability, and psychological strain.  For Susie, the hardships faced by the family were softened by the love and Christian faith demonstrated by her parents, Mommy and Poppy.  From her early experiences, God was shaping her for a life that would demonstrate His love and her unwavering faith.

When Susie spoke of those early years, she described “a farm-life,” and she loved it! She performed many jobs on the farm:  planting and tending the garden, caring for chickens and cows, making lye soap, and her most favorite, helping her dad with his team of horses.  Susie had a strong work ethic, and she contributed it to these early years.  At the close of day, the family would gather for supper and prayer.  Though the days were filled with many chores, her and her siblings found time to play together and formed a lasting and loving bond.  In her late teens, Susie and two of her sisters, Cleo and Sarah, would spend time in Washington state where they worked in the fruit industry.  Upon her return to Arkansas, Susie moved to the Fayetteville area.  It was in 1947 in Fayetteville that she met and befriended Ruth Steele. That friendship lasted over 77 years. Through this relationship, Susie met the love of her life, Ewell ‘Boyd’ Steele.   After Boyd completed two years of service in the Korean War, he and Susie were married by the Madison County Judge on April 10^th, 1954 in Huntsville, Arkansas.  They settled in the Northwest Arkansas area and built a wonderful life together.

Boyd and Susie welcomed their first-born son, Ewell Bobby Steele, on April 16^th, 1957.  Susie was a nurturing and loving mother, and she often shared that she and Bob rocked at least one thousand miles together. Five years later, they welcomed their second son, James ‘Jim’ Danley Steele, who was born on January 29^th, 1962.  Their boys were the joy of her life, and she devoted herself to caring for her family.  When Jim started school, Susie had an opportunity to return to work and was interested in aligning her hours with the boys’ schedule.  After taking managerial courses at the University of Arkansas, she found the perfect opportunity in a leadership role with Fayetteville Schools in the cafeteria.  Susie would work there for the next 10 years until she joined Consumer/USA Drug as a cashier and pharmacy technician.  Her love for people shone through during her interactions with the public and with her co-workers.  Susie developed many life-long friendships such as the one she shared with Bob Jones who was her boss at the pharmacy.

In 1974, Boyd suffered a major heart attack. This was a defining moment for the family and in Susie’s life.  As He will do when we trust him, God had prepared her.  She was grounded in her faith, armed with a strong work ethic, strengthened by her optimism, and reinforced by her financial literacy.  She added an additional item to her list of accomplishments:  she was now the primary provider.  In 1997, she left the pharmacy and returned to Fayetteville Schools.  This same year, Susie lost her husband of 43 years.  She lived alone for the next 7 years and continued to work in the schools, organize church events, serve as the church secretary and treasurer, and seek opportunities to express her love through many, many acts of service.  In 2003, Susie met a widow, Norman ‘Glen’ Atchley, and they were married in 2004.  Susie and Glen enjoyed 15 years of companionship until his passing in 2019.

Susie worked until she was 82 years old.  She didn’t believe in being idle. Every day, Susie rose early, put on her make-up, and dressed in her tailored classy style.  She lived a life that testified of God’s goodness and His love.  Susie considered herself to be the most blessed person on Earth.  This was a phrase she commonly used.

Susie is known for her:

• Daily phone calls to her siblings
• Refrigerator full of Dr Pepper and Coke
• Fresh coffee
• Clean and organized home
• Clean garage – yes, her garage was clean
• Outstanding cooking – bread, cakes, pies, cobblers… if you were around her then she was trying to feed you!
• Beautiful jewelry, in particular her rings and broaches
• Her beautiful table settings
• Wednesday night food for the youth
• Her heartwarming smile
• But most of all, her love for her family and her love for the Lord

She was never happier than when she was surrounded by all her family.  She was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She wasn’t shy about confessing that they were the most beautiful people on this Earth.

Susie was preceded in death by her husbands:  Ewell ‘Boyd’ Steele, and Norman ‘Glen’ Atchley, her parents: Harrison and Rosie Collins; four brothers: Frank Collins, Dotson Collins, Walker Collins, and Floyd Collins; and 3 sisters: Cleo Thurston, Billie Mars, and Virginia Schaefer.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Bobby and Suzy Steele, Jimmy and Melinda Steele; 4 grandchildren: Allison & Robbie Olson, Whitney Steele, Rebekah and Kevin Hankins, and Mahala and Blake Tedford; 8 great grandchildren: Kessler Olson, Blanton Olson, Emreigh Miller, Quincey Miller, Kordae Stegall, Brantly Hankins, Montana Hankins, and Aspen Tedford; 3 sisters: Sarah Peterson, Ethel Taylor, Melba Collins; 1brother; Ben Collins; nephews; nieces; and a host of friends.

Services are at Beard’s Funeral Chapel. Visitation is Friday, September, 27^th, at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm.  Celebration of life is Saturday, September 28^th, at 10:00 am with interment at Wharton Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Zion Christian Union Church or Zion Christian Youth Camp. Mailing address for both: P.O. Box 27; Farmington, AR; 72730.