of Benton, AR
March 15, 1934 - October 15, 2017
On Sunday, October 15, Clara Sue Thomas Gunter Holder, of Benton, Arkansas, received her wings to her journey into the glorious gates of Heaven, where many before awaited to welcome her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Nellie Chastain Thomas; her children's father, Dewell Warren Gunter; her second husband, Oscar Holder; granddaughter, Stephanie Renee Anderson; step-son Ronnie Holder; and son-in-law Arthur Montgomery Anderson Jr.
Sue is survived by her sons, Philip Gunter (Deborah) and Glenn Gunter (Lisa); daughter, Carla Gunter Anderson; grandchildren, Charity Gunter Olive, Nichole Anderson Edwards (Jason), Curtis Kennedy, Krystal Steel (Keith), Star Strayhorn, Jessie Gunter, and Stormy Gunter; great granddaughter, Natalie Elizabeth Olive; great grandsons, Vincent and Grant Edwards; step-daughter, Theresa Picklesimer (David); step-grandsons, Tony Picklesimer (Cathy) and Mark Picklesimer (Jennifer); step-great grandsons, Matthew, Jacob and Joshua Picklesimer and Nicholas and Kevin Kennedy; former daughter-in-law, Sheryl Roberts; special sister and brother, Dot and James Griffin; brother, Walker Thomas (Helen); nephews, Wesley, Wade and Whitney Thomas; great niece, Lauren Thomas; great nephew, Perry Thomas; and great grandniece, "Kitty" Thomas. She will be greatly missed by the many relatives and friends in the legal field as well.
Sue was born to Herbert and Nellie Chastain Thomas on March 15, 1934, in Bland, Arkansas. She attended Paron Schools, where she graduated, and then attended Capital City Business College.
She worked as a legal secretary for Ben McCray, Hall, Tucker & Lovell law firm and Capital Credit Corporation in Little Rock. She then worked as a legal assistant for Pete Lancaster alongside Curtis Rickard and Bob Garrett, then Greg Brown, Randy Satterfield, Cindy Moody, David Smith, Meredith Wineland, Joe Hardin, Ken Casady, Dustin Dyer and Thomas Burns. Sue ended up working at Jensen, Young & Houston where she retired in 2008. She had many years of work in the legal field, which she enjoyed immensely.
She was a Charter member of a tri-level association, the Saline County Legal Support Professionals; AALS, the association for Arkansas Legal Support Professionals; and NALS, the National Association for Legal Support Professionals. She served, on the local level, as president, secretary, treasurer, state director along with chairing many committees. She also served, on a state level, on many committees and elected offices, including president from 1990 to 1991. Sue received the Arkansas Legal Support Professional Award of Excellence in 2007. During her years of being associated with AALS, she was fortunate to be able to travel to many places for Continuing Legal Education.
Sue was a member of Highland Heights Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas.
Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 19, in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) in Benton, Arkansas. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, October 18, at the Funeral Home.
My Condolences Phil. So sorry for your loss.
Sue was the reason I joined the Saline county chapter of AALS – the Association for Arkansas Legal Support Professionals. Sue made me feel welcome, encouraged me, and always presented great professionalism. She was a credit to our profession. Always the gracious host and I will miss all the delicious goodies she baked for everyone. Sue leaves a huge void in our legal association. My daughter, Tyler, loved Ms. Sue and was so sad to hear of her passing. She thought Ms. Sue so feisty and funny. Our loss is heaven’s gain. I know she will have them laughing in heaven and it is comforting knowing she is with her loved ones. I hope your many wonderful memories will comfort you, as they will my daughter and me. Praying for all her family and friends, especially Ms. Dot, her BFF.
Dear Family -
I'm so sorry for you loss. Sue was one of the sweetest people I ever knew. We had a lot of fun over the years with the legal association and with mutual friends. The world will be a sadder place without her because of her calm countenance and positive outlook. She really was a lot of fun and we shared lots of laughs. Many thoughts and prayers for you, in sympathy.
Sue is already greatly missed. She was an exceptional woman and we are forever humbled and grateful for her work with NALS. Our deepest sympathies to all of her loved ones and family.
Carla, didn't know until this morning when Monica told me. I am not in the know about things anymore. I just want you to know how much I love you as a friend and you are in my prayers. Sue will be missed but all will hold her in their memories as I will.
I had the privilege of knowing Sue for years and working with her at Jensen, Young and Houston. She was a special lady. She loved her family and I know she will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.
Pete and I will miss you dear Sue. You were an incredible friend, whose dedication and devotion to your profession was known to all who knew you. Rest In Peace our dear friend. We will remember you always.
Carla I just heard of your Mother’s passing. I’m so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers.
Sue was a very dear friend. We had a lot of memories together. She will be missed
Sue was a very dear friend. We had a lot of memories together. She will be missed
Remembering Sue with love. She was a true friend to AALS and to all of us. She was a treasure and we will cherish all the good memories and remember her wisdom and kindness. She and Ms. Dot have guided and are such an inspiration to so many of us-me included, for sure. Praying for all her family and friends and know that God holds Sue, and all of Us, in His able hands.
I am so going to miss you, your sense of humor and your sweet smile. Sue was quite the lady always with an encouraging word. I just know those moon flowers are blooming in heaven for you, Sue.
Sue was a very dear friend. We had a lot of memories together. She will be missed
Ms. Sue is one of my heroes. She along with so many others helped me to grow in both personally and professionally. I will never forget her. ðŸ™ðŸ»
One of the dearest ladies you could have ever had the great pleasure of knowing. I am sure she will be a guardian angel in heaven for all of us! Her sweet smile and gentle ways with those she held dear, will truly be missed. You were given your angel wings Sue and I am quite sure our dear Lord has welcomed you with open arms!
So sorry she was always nice and sweet she will be missed.
What a special lady, always so full of joy and life. You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family especially Nicole and her best friend Ms. Dot during this time.
I knew Sue through AALS, and she was a funny, kind, intelligent and witty lady that I am so happy to have known. God be with her family, she will be missed.
Carla my thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was always so sweet. I know y'all will miss her dearly.
I have known Ms. Sue for over 35 years through our membership in AALS and I am blessed to call her my friend. My prayers are with her family and all of her friends during this difficult time but we can rest assured in knowing that we will all be together again in heaven.
I am so blessed to have known Miss Sue. She was one of the kindest people I have ever met. She always had an encouraging and positive word for whatever the situation. She was fun and hospitable, and it was great to sit with her over a good meal and talk about fun times. I pray that God grants peace to her family and friends in the days ahead. We can take comfort in the fact that we will see her again and, until then, she will live in our hearts.
Sue was a special lady and a good friend. As one of her "Sisters-in-Law" she was the first member of our state association that I met - and that was over 20 years ago. She had a good sense of humor and she could always make me smile. I will miss her. I send my deepest sympathies to her family and best friend, Ms. Dot.
Sue was a treasured member of AALS - the Association for Arkansas Legal Support Professionals for many years and a dear, dear friend. She will be missed. I have many pleasant memories of Sue's wit, charm, and supportive personality. Prayers for comfort, peace, and strength for her family and many friends. All of us who knew Sue are comforted in knowing that we will see her again when we get to take that final flight! Rest in peace, my friend!
My prayers and thoughts are with each member of the family. Ms. Sue and I have been friends for many years. She was a beautiful and unique lady. Always there to to help those in need. Made the best homemade pies and yeast rolls and peppers! She will be missed by all who knew her and will live in our heart forever.