RUSSELLVILLE — Martha Sue “Susie” Deaton,
81, of Russellville, died Saturday, March 26, 2022, at Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Russellville. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Second Baptist Church, 1100 North Frankfort Avenue, in Russellville. Rev. Jonathan Whitlock will officiate. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Russellville by Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, in the funeral home chapel. The daughter of Fred and Marie (Kirkpatrick) Dean, she was born August 12, 1940, in Magnolia, Arkansas.
Susie was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie Deaton in 2009; her parents; and two brothers, Bobby Dean and Billy Dean. She is survived by their son, Ernie Deaton of Rogers, Arkansas; two daughters, Sherry Magness (Lloyd) of Russellville and Kim Goss (Greg) of Mena, Arkansas; eight grandchildren: Lee Deaton, Afton Deaton, Jeff Deaton, Katie Austin (James), Taylor Nelson (William), Makaila Goodner (Zack), Makenzie Conatser (Chet) and Makenna Goss; six great-grandchildren: J.J., Hank and Emma Kate Austin, Harley Nelson, and Rhett and Rylee Goodner; a sister-in-law, Beverly Dean; and two brothers-in-law, Charles (Janette) Deaton, and James (Carolyn) Deaton.
From the time she was sixteen years of age, Susie worked in various administrative and officer roles in the banking industry, spending more than 20 of those years at First National Bank of Russellville. Her commitment to customer service went far beyond the banking role as she would often be seen picking up items at the local grocery store and delivering them to her aging trust customers who were not able to get out.
That compassionate servant spirit carried over into her faith community as she was actively involved in the ministry and worship of Second Baptist Church. She drew great strength and insight from the Scriptures as an active member of Bible Study Fellowship.
With her late husband, Ernie, having helped start the River Valley Boys and Girls Club of Russellville, Susie remained active in supporting their work with children in our community. You would often find her spending time with friends at the Pope County Senior Adult Activity Center. She enjoyed playing cards and board games and they always had season tickets to the Arkansas Razorback basketball games. Apart from her faith in Christ and love for the church, the most rewarding and meaningful part of Susie’s life was her love and cherished times with her children and grandchildren. They gave her life the biggest smile and her heart the best hug.
Susie’s family would like to encourage memorial donations in her name be made to the Arkansas River Valley Boys and Girls Club of Russellville, 600 East 16th Street, Russellville, Ark., 72801; or the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C., 20090-6011. Susie’s online obituary and internet guestbook are available at: www.humphreyfuneral.com.