of Little Rock,
August 26, 1947 - October 21, 2021
Susan ("Sue") Evelyn Alexander Keathley, age 74, passed away on October 21, 2021. She was born in Heber Springs, Arkansas, on August 26, 1947, to parents Margaret and Marvin Alexander. Sue was a graduate of Crossett High School in 1965 and received her doctorate from the University of Arkansas of Medical Sciences in 1972. Dr. Sue, as so many children called her, knew from a very young age that she wanted to be a pediatrician and co-founded Little Rock Children's Clinic in 1975. She was a beloved and devoted wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, and doctor. Sue was an active member of Highland Valley United Methodist Church for over 30 years and enjoyed teaching Sunday School. She loved to cook, read, travel with her husband and was an avid Razorback fan.
Sue was preceded in death by her father, Marvin Alexander, and brother, Barney Alexander. She is survived by her husband Gary of 51 years; mother: Margaret Alexander; son and daughter in law: Sean and Jamie Keathley; daughter and son in law: Lynn and Ryan Staner; grandsons: Pierce Keathley, James Keathley, Cooper Staner, and Jackson Staner, sisters and their husbands: Lendy Eaton (Ron) and Mary Alice Shipley (Larry); brother in law and sister in law: Glynes and Glynda Clements; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Highland Valley United Methodist Church in Little Rock on Monday, November 22, 2021 at 11:00 AM.
The family would like to express our thanks for the help and care given by everyone at the Ginny and Bob Shell Alzheimer's Center at Parkway Village. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association or Highland Valley United Methodist Church in lieu of flowers.
I have just recently learned of Sue's death. She was a college friend and later in life, when my family moved to Little Rock, my daughters' pediatrician. I remember her as a very smart lady with a keen wit â€" an excellent doctor and loyal friend. My prayers go out to her sister Mary Alice and to Gary, her husband, who were also college friends.
I worked at the LRCC with Dr Keathley. I was a Nurse there and I loved to work with Dr. Keathley.
She was kind and caring with her patients and co-workers. I always appreciated her calm,
cool demeanor. She was a pleasure to be around. She was the Pediatrician for my son and countless
other children in Little Rock. We were blessed to have her. Deepest sympathy to her family!
My sincere sympathy to your family. Dr. Keathley was a wonderful pediatrician to my children and always reduced my anxiety when I became a mom 26 years ago. I finally learned through her guidance that our kids don't need antibiotics for every runny nose. It took me awhile though! May God comfort you now and the weeks and months to come.
Dr. Keathley was such a joy and a very kind person that I truly can say it was such a blessing and honor to have worked under a great physician, who cared about the people! I will always remember the perfect shaped "snicker doodle" cookies and the awesome food you would share with the clinic!
May this wonderful woman rest in peace.
Sue was our first contact with a medical professional in Arkansas when we moved here in in 1983. Her calm, warm and professional demeanor was remarkable, and as our family grew, Claire, Keith and Laura were readily drawn to her. We are so sad to hear of her early passing. We wish her family a quiet piece as you reminisce on the awesome and caring person that she was to so many.
Dr. Keathley was the most loving, caring, patient doctor ever. She loved her job and the kids loved her. Truly a gift to the Chinese adoption community.
My first experience with Dr Keathley was 1980. She took great care and showed so much compassion and patience with my girls from then until she retired. She made a difference in our lives and will always be remembered.
Deepest sympathy to Dr. Keathley's family.
I worked with this sweet, kind, caring physician for many years at Baptist Hospital, she had utmost respect from the staff there. I will remember her kindness always.
Sincerely,
Sherry Gray, RN
My deepest condolences to the family of Dr Keathley. She was my pediatrician as a child and inspired me to become a physician as well. She was such kind and supportive physician and I remember crying when she told me I was too old to come to the pediatric clinic anymore.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Keathley , she was a amazing Dr. was one of the first DR. at LRCL to take care of my kids back in the 90's .She will be deeply missed .
Dr. Keathley was my doctor from the time I was born until my pre-teen years. She was the most amazing doctor you could ever ask for. Her spirit could just light up the room. I will definitely keep the family in my prayers.
Dr. Sue was a wonderful doctor to my 3 children and we loved loved loved her! She was so calm and practical and loving in her care. Thank you Doc for your years of service. RIP.
My son and I loved Dr. Keathley. My own pediatrician Dr. Tom Townsend of Pine Bluff Children's Clinic highly encouraged me to use Dr. Keathley when I was pregnant with Bradley. She was wonderful during our difficult time with Bradley's diagnosis of Autism. She guided us and referred us to the best professionals. She also always made sure all of of his paperwork was completed in a timely manner. We have missed her since her retirement. Sending prayers to her family.
Love, Ashley and Bradley Minchew
Keathley family, we are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. Roane, Kim, Riley and Savannah Ashmore
So sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Keathley. She was an amazing doctor and lady. Always so calm and loving to her patients.
Thank you for taking such good care of my boys, Dr. Keathley. May you rest in peace.
To the family, please accept my most sincere condolences.
Dr. Keathley was doctor for both of my children (late 70's and early 80's). We all loved her so much! When the kids became young adults, they wanted to know why they couldn't continue having her as their doctor! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this sad time!
Gary…Lynn and Sean…Sorry to hear your loss. I have known..you since you were born. And Lynn you went to my school here..and do Sean…at Montessori. May the Lird give you all the strength to bear her loss. Ben McMinn hope time will heal..and your memories of her will remain with you always. I am extremely grateful to you all for embracing Montessori education. All are well.and be safe and healthy. God Bless. JyothiMcminn/Ben Mcminn
Gary, Sorry for your loss. Our prayers and condolences to you in your time of sorrow.
It was Dr. Sue Keathley's calmness and self-assurance that gave me such confidence in her advice + knowing that she was tops in her class at UAMS! Her patients were lucky to have her. Thanks to her family for sharing her with us.
Sue was such an Amazing Dr to our daughter. I'll never forget that smile when she walked into the room to say you have a beautiful baby girl. She had such a great love for her patients and the families. She will be greatly missed but her legacy will live on forever. Prayers to your family.
Hi Mr Keathly,
This is such a small world. I am also a graduate of Crossett High School 1979. I so enjoyed chatting with Dr. Keathley each time I would see her as I delivered yall's mail. She was such a kind and gentle soul with an infectious smile and gracious words. I am so sorry for your loss,
Regards,
Debbie (Crouch) Osborne
USPS
Had the pleasure to care for Susan the past 2 years. Always had a smile and a hug for me! Forever in my heart â¤ï¸
Lendy and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts snd prayers are with you and your family.
Condolenes for the family. Susan was one very nice classmate.
Gary,
I am so sorry for your loss. May peace be upon you and yours.
We are so sorry. Our deepest sympathies are with the family!!
Sue was a gentle, thorough pediatrician. Always listened to any medical concerns and questions we had. Virginia Ann, Sandra, and Susan felt at ease during every visit, which there were many. We were blessed by her wisdom and love for children. Our sincere condolences to her family. Jen (Oliver) Fayad
Our family loved Dr. Keathley. She took wonderful care of my daughters many years ago, and led us through a medical crisis with confidence that gave reassurance to two frantic parents. I remember a visit when she was pregnant with Lynn and we were laughing about the timing and how she would get to be off BOTH winter holidays!
I worked as a nurse at Little Rock Children's Clinic for many years. Dr. Keathley was a wonderful
person, doctor and boss! She also cared for my three children as they grew up. Condolences and prayers to her family. With sympathy, Marsha Mahan
Gary, I am sorry for your loss of Sue. She was such a special person and a gift to everyone who knew her. You and your family are in my prayers.
Susan was such a treasure. I knew her when she was in Medical School and she cared for my children when they were young. Pease to her family and friends.
Sue has been a blessing to so many for her love and care- she was the
Pediatrician for most of my children and Grands-and also my wonderful so smart
UAMS classmate and friend-
Sympathy to Gary ,Sean,Lynn and families
Mary Louise Corbitt MD
We all loved Sue. She was for as long as I can recall a leader in our church. A great Sunday school teacher. Leader of Staff Parish Committee and we all were so excited at pot lucks and meal events waiting on Sue to bring her delicious homemade rolls. Many thanks for her life and sincere sympathy to her family.
Prayers lifted up for peace for the Keathley family during this time of bereavement.