of Little Rock, AR
February 18, 1937 - July 8, 2025
Joy Sue ''Suzie'' Markham was born on February 18, 1937 in Tyronza, Arkansas, the youngest child of William ''Boots'' Minor and Edith ''Deaner'' Minor. Her mother was so certain she was having a boy that she and Boots only picked out boys' names. But when Suzie arrived, Boots beamed and said, ''I didn't get a bouncing baby boy; I got a bouncing baby joy.'' And so, Joy Sue Minor was welcomed into the world.
Suzie graduated from Wilson High School in 1956 and went on to attend Arkansas State University. She later began working for Dr. Gilbert Jay in West Memphis, Arkansas. One fateful day, a young man named Jerry Markham from Mutual Collections in Memphis walked into Dr. Jay's office to discuss collecting overdue accounts. Dr. Jay, always too busy to meet, told Jerry to go over the business with his secretary instead and that secretary was Suzie.
The connection between Jerry and Suzie was instant. Though they were each seeing someone else at the time, that spark ultimately won out. They married on April 29, 1961 and soon after moved to Little Rock, Arkansas, where they began their life together and started Collection Services, Inc. Their family grew with the birth of their son, Jerry Jr. (''Jay''), followed a few years later by their daughter, Julia.
Suzie and Jerry were passionate Razorback fans and rarely missed a home game in Fayetteville or Little Rock. They traveled extensively, especially through Jerry's work with Lions World Services for the Blind. Suzie once joked that on their flight to Hawaii, Jerry spent the whole time helping serve food and drinks for Lions Club members, thus walking the entire way to Hawaii.
Faith played a central role in their lives. Together, they served for more than 30 years at Immanuel Baptist Church, where their love for God was reflected in their open hearts and open home. Suzie often said her kitchen table had served people from all over the world. She loved being a Sunday School teacher for over 10 years and leading her small group sessions of Bible Study Fellowship. She had an incredible heart for others, friends, family and strangers alike. She once quietly paid for the meal of a man and his young son at a restaurant simply because she was moved by their sweet interaction. She found great joy in bringing joy to others.
Suzie is survived by her son, Jerry ''Jay'' (Cheryl) Markham; her daughter, Julia and numerous nieces and nephews whom she cherished deeply. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 50 years, Jerry Hovis Markham; her parents, Boots and Deaner Minor; her brother, Gene Minor and her sisters, JoAnn Lehr and Jewell Minor.
Suzie's legacy is one of kindness, generosity, faith and love, a life well-lived and deeply felt by all who knew her.
A visitation will be from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Roller-Chenal funeral home. Funeral services will be 10:00am on Monday, July 14, 2025 at Immanuel Baptist Church with Dr. Rex Horne officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Immanuel Baptist Church or Bible Study Fellowship.
Sign Guestbook
14 Condolence(s)
Phyllis Sullivant
Thursday, July 17, 2025
She saved my life in so many uncountable ways. She never gave up on me even when I did. Of all the years working for the buisness, I know in my heart She was the only one who had faith in me when the rest didn't.
Dr Jo Chesser
Monday, July 14, 2025
Your love and concern for me and others always touched my heart, Suzie. Our friendship was short but it was strong because of Jesus love for both of us. Your sweet daughter took such great care of you and I will always remember that. As I grieved for you upon your passing, I could always see you with your dear Jerry watching a Razorback game. I thank God for your life and know you are alive with Him.
Sharon Hallmark
Monday, July 14, 2025
I first knew Susie when she was a “new” Baptist, and later came to love her as my Sunday School teacher. Robert and I loved seeing Suzie and Jerry on Razorback road trips, especially the old SWC tournaments in Dallas. I’m thankful to have known and loved them both, and am glad they are reunited in eternity with Jesus. May the happy memories of them both live on with you forever!
Winston & Susan Bryant
Sunday, July 13, 2025
We were so sorry to hear about Suzie. Suzie and Jerry were in our Sunday School Class. They were a wonderful couple. After Jerry passed away, we would pick Suzie up and take her to our Sunday School parties. Suzie was such a delightful and fun person as well as a wonderful christian lady. Our thought and prayers are with her family.
Libbie Dougan
Sunday, July 13, 2025
Dear Suzie’s Family and Friends:: I am asking The Holy Spirit to pour His peace and contentment, comfort and joy, down over you all, like warm honey. Thank you all, ever so much for sharing her with me. I was in her Sunday School Class. She taught me so much. Blessings to each of you all. Libbie Dougan. Phil. 4:13
Susie Ritchie
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Julia and family,
Sending my deepest condolences to you. May God’s grace comfort you.
Emogene Nutt
Friday, July 11, 2025
To Julia, Jay and family, “…..we are known by our love We have one for the other.” John 13:35 This scripture personifies Suzie! Those of us who have had the honor, the gift of friendship have experienced this. I so enjoyed being with Suzie in Sunday school, (Bible study), and especially Sunday school dinner group gatherings. These are some of the golden threads that tied us together. Though separated for this time being, very soon we will meet on that “Beautiful Shore!” Love, Emogene
Linda Crosby
Friday, July 11, 2025
I had the privilege of being Susie's caregiver for a short time. It was not nearly long enough. She was more a friend than a person that I cared for. We had so many fun and serious conversations she helped me through so many things that were in my mind and we took many trips even though we didn't get to go far from her home. I think of her so often and I know that she will be greatly missed by her other friends and family which she loved greatly.
Jodi minor
Thursday, July 10, 2025
I was Susie's niece-in-law, I tear up thinking how loved she always made me feel, like one of her own. I will truly miss her.
Byron and Carol Eiseman
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Everyone loved Suzie’s uplifting, friendly disposition. Suzie was always encouraging and a true friend. She loved the Lord, and contributed so much to the leadership meetings of Bible Study Fellowship. She will truly be missed.
Donna Finney
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Lyndon and I loved both your parents so much! Sending prayers and much love your way in the coming days as you travel this new journey.
Leslie Moore
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Suzie was so special and will be dearly missed by many! She always showed great love to me and my girls. My deepest sympathies extended to the family.
Love and prayers,
Leslie
Matthew and Lauri Lane
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
My sincerest condolences to the entire family. Words can’t express my love and affection for the family. I was extensively moved by both Jerry and Suzie at the beginning of my career. They were true mentors and people who shaped me into the person I am today. My father Nelson D Lane and Jerry did business together at CSI. Jerry and Suzie encouraged me to try my hand at collections way back in the early 1980’s which set into motion my journey into the world of Auto Finance. I’m forever greatful for the opportunity that they gave me and they will always be in my memories and prayers. With all our love, Matthew and Lauri Lane
Jessica Christopher
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
I had the pleasure of working alongside Mrs. Markham for many years, and I loved every moment of it. She was such a warm, loving woman who made me laugh and brought me so much joy! She will be greatly missed here on Earth, but I know she must be so happy to be with Mr. Markham again. Sending so much love and warmth to her family, who are also very important to me. Rest in love, Mrs. Markham! 🩷