of Harrison, AR

January 4, 1928 - December 28, 2020

Mary "Sue" Barger passed away peacefully with her daughters at her side on Monday, December 28, 2020. She was a week away from her 93rd birthday. She always said "92 and I'm through", and she was right, as usual. Sue was born January 4, 1928, the daughter of Clifford and Ruby (Fowler) Phillips.

Sue married the love of her life, Howard Barger, on June 4, 1947. They traveled, moved, played golf, and loved their family together for the next 52 years. Sue and Howard visited every state except Alaska. After his passing, Sue, Judy, and Jane went on an Alaskan adventure.

She gave her life to the Lord as a young girl and always set an example for her family. She loved memorizing scripture and had a verse for every letter of the alphabet. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Harrison. Sue served God in many ways. Throughout the years, she taught Sunday school, GA's, Vacation Bible School, and AWANAs. Her faith and her family were the most important things in her life.

Sue was always filled with joy and found such pleasure in being with family and friends. She played Mexican Dominoes every Saturday with a group of wonderful ladies and she also met monthly with the Rally Hill Friendship Club. She loved the time she spent with her Christian friends.

Sue was honored with the ''Woman of Distinction'' award and was inducted into the Boone County Historical Society Hall of Fame. This recognition was a result of her commitment to serving others and her love of history and genealogy.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Howard; her sister, Anna Beth Mitchell; her brother, Kenneth Phillips; and her sisters-in-law, Betty Phillips, Pat Phillips, and Vivian Phillips.

Sue is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Judy and Bill Chatterton and Jane and David Williams; her brothers, Tilden, Gerald, and James Phillips; her granddaughters, Donna (Tony) Sherrill, Christi Martin, Amber (Marc) Tilley, and Sara (Caleb) Horton. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Tyler Sherrill, Brooke (Brandon) Graham, Amanda Martin, Cody Martin, McKenzie (Justin) Jerrell, Logan Tilley, Carter Horton, and Avery Horton; and 2 1/2 great-great-grandchildren, Kacer, Karmyn, and soon to be born, Kash Graham. Sue is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many special friends.


There was a private celebration of her life with her loving family. Much to the regret of Sue's family, no public service was held.

Pallbearers were Tony Sherrill, Brandon Graham, Cody Martin, Marc Tilley, Caleb Horton, Logan Tilley, Justin Jerrell, and Carter Horton.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Boone County Historical Society, PO Box 1094, Harrison, AR 72602, or to the First Baptist Church, PO Box 996, Harrison, AR 72602.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com