Gloria Sue (Elkins) Wooden

To know Sue Wooden was to know joy. She had a smile that could light up a room, a laugh that wrapped around you like a hug, and a heart that seemed to have no limits. On August, 15 2025, at the age of 73, Sue left this world for her eternal home in heaven, where she has been made new again and reunited with those she dearly missed.

Sue was born on December 2, 1951, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to the late Sunny Elkins and Ruth Elkins Boyster. From her earliest years, she learned the value of family, faith, and kindness, lessons she carried throughout her life. She married Billy Wooden, and quickly built a home where love was the language and family was everything.

She was a proud and devoted mother to her daughters, Carrie Tolbert (Allen) and Jill Mangham (John). Sue’s joy multiplied with the arrival of her grandchildren — Zachary (Meghan), Emma, Eli, Nicholas, Matthew (Anne) and Courtney (JR); and Conner, Courtney (Bobby), and Cayden, then later, her 13 great-grandchildren, with another blessing soon to come. Each one knew without doubt that they were loved beyond measure.

Sue also shared a deep bond with her siblings, Donna Johnson, Carl Elkins (Nina), Karen Elkins, Vickie Young, Tony Elkins, Tim Elkins (Kelly) and Joe Elkins as well as a wide circle of family and friends who were touched by her generosity and warmth.

Her greatest passion was her family. She lived for her children and grandchildren, her days centered around their needs, their celebrations, and their milestones. She celebrated their victories, comforted them in hard times, and filled their lives with traditions, laughter, and love. She was the kind of woman who never let you leave hungry, never missed a birthday, and always had time to listen.

Sue’s faith was her compass. She spoke to God daily, trusted His promises, and lived her life in a way that reflected His love. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is now whole, at peace, and surrounded by the glory of heaven.

Though her absence leaves an ache in our hearts, we carry forward her legacy of love, kindness, and faith. Until we meet again, we will remember her not with sadness, but with gratitude for the gift of having been loved by her.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Lewis Funeral Chapel. Her funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. the following Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Lewis Funeral Chapel. Services under the care of Lewis Funeral Chapel.

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