On February 14, 1939, God gently held the hand of Fannie Sue (Leader) Smith as she entered this world, and on August 14, 2024, He lovingly took her hand once again as she left. During her 85 years on this earth, Sue faced challenges with resilience and embraced triumphs with grace. Born during the difficult years of the Great Depression, she and her eight siblings grew up in the communities around Kullihoma and Lula, where they worked tirelessly together to support their family. Through these lean times, Sue learned the value of being early, working hard, and speaking honestly—lessons she instilled in her six children: Eddie, Sherry, Mary, Lisa, Bobby, and Billy.
Sue took great pride in her children and her eight siblings, always cherishing the close-knit family bonds they shared. Her Chickasaw heritage was a cornerstone of her identity, and she spoke of it often, passing down the language and traditions to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren. Her caring nature was evident long before she became a nurse, as she devoted much of her life to easing the pain and suffering she saw in others. Even after her retirement, Sue continued to spend her days helping anyone in need, embodying a spirit of generosity and compassion.
In her later years, Sue made her home in the Stonewall/Union Valley area, where she remained deeply involved in community and tribal organizations. She loved being surrounded by family, defining "family" as anyone who spent more than a few minutes with her. Sue’s love for both animals and people was well-known, and she often opened her heart and home to strays of both kinds. Her last dollar was always yours if you needed it, and her time was freely given to anyone who engaged her in conversation.
Throughout her life, Sue quietly touched the lives of countless people, a fact made evident by the many who approached her in public to express their gratitude for kindnesses done for them or a family member. Her quick wit, sharp memory, and warm spirit made every conversation memorable. A drive down memory lane with Sue meant hearing the exact names and locations of everyone who had ever lived in the area—a testament to her remarkable memory and deep connection to her roots.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, one sister, and two grandchildren. She leaves behind her six children and their families, along with two sisters and their families, as well as dozens of close relatives and dear friends.
Services for Sue will be held on Tuesday, August 20th, at 10:00 am at Criswell Funeral Home in Ada, OK. She will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery in Stonewall, OK. Visitation will take place on Saturday, August 17th, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Criswell Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be: Paul Garner, David Garner, Lance Walker, Tyler Hill, Jacob McCurdy, and Dillon Vaugh.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
