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.
Mary Sue was one of my mother’s good friends from childhood. Five years ago Mom and I visited her and they took me on a drive reminiscing about their friends, hangouts, events and places all over town. This was full of the best stories and laughter those two could share. What a wonderful friend Mary Sue was to my mother!
Dear Family,
You can rejoice in the memories of a wonderful life well-lived. Every where in our community you can see the impact that Sue made. I appreciated her leadership in civic affairs. She was so sweet and hospitable. She will be greatly missed.
My aunt Sue ... a lady; a loving perfect example of what we all should aspire to be and she made it look easy. I will miss her smile and all of those good times on the back porch with family telling tales and watching unknown people hack at little white balls. I shall miss her knowledge of our family history. I shall miss her simply because of her being her. There will never be another like her. She's gone home now. Soon enough ... I'll be there with her and other family members, on a heavenly back porch telling tales and watching angles hack at little white balls. See you soon Suety. I will always love you; did in this world, will in the next.
We know Sue will be greatly missed. She had such a sweet spirit and always made people feel special. It was a pleasure to have her as a neighbor for so many years. She cannot come back to us, but those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior will see her in Heaven. It is so hard to lose your mama.
Jane and Family
Sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Mary Sue always had a big smile and a kind word for everyone. She lived her faith and loved her family. I thank the Lord that I had the opportunity of knowing her.
I am so sad to hear about Sue. I tried to visit “home†every year but missed last year and 2020. One of the highlights every visit was dinner with the Phillips at Sue’s. She was so good about keeping track of all Fowler family members. I will miss her and her cheerful accounts of family activities. My sympathy and prayers to her family and friends.
One of Gods jewels of the Phillips family. Sue a loving asset to her family, her church, her community. A true christian who has gone to her rewards.
Sue was such a blessing to this community. A true Angel on earth. I have great memories of her while attending Rally Hill Friendship Club many years ago with my Aunt Ruby Lair. Prayers of comfort to the family.
She always had a smile and she always seemed to be happy to greet everyone. You felt like she was really interested in those she came in contact with. She had a great outgoing personality. So sorry for the family’s loss
So sad to hear of Sue’s passing. She was a dear friend of my Mother, Jackie Riddlesperger. Mom was born 4 months before Sue, but gained her Angel wings only 17 days before! They went many miles together and so enjoyed the school reunion planning almost more than the reunions themselves. Prayers for her family. Sue will be terribly missed.
What a class act ..She was always smiling and never met a stranger .I am so happy our paths cross on the golf course. RIP Gracious Lady
So sorry for your loss
I enjoyed playing golf with Sue and Pat always said she was his favorite cousin. My prayers are with you all.
Such a wonderful person, I will miss her and that always present smile. After my return to Harrison in 2001, I received a call from Sue who had learned of my interest in local family history, she invited me to volunteer at the Boone County Heritage Museum and that began a friendship I will always cherish.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.†-Matthew 11:28
Pat and I are so sorry to hear of Sue's passing. I enjoyed golfing with her and Pat always said she was his favorite cousin. My prayers are with all of you.
Sad to hear of Sue passing, she was one of a kind, so kind and loving, and very smart and civic minded. During her life she wore man hats and did an awesome job representing every one of them. Her warm personality made her easy to be around. I loved her, she and my Dad were cousins.
We are thinking of you as you remember Nena Sue’s remarkable life and praying that you have moments of peace and comfort. Nena Sue was a cherished friend! Our heartfelt sympathy and blessings go out to the Barger family!
Sue was a wonderful lady, my neighbor, my friend. I will miss her being gone from this world, but she is now in a better world than this one.
I was so surprised to hear about Sue. She was such a wonderful woman who loved her family dearly and was truly loved in return. You will always have such wonderful memories. Love you
My sincere condolences and prayers to the families.
So surprised and saddened to hear about Sue. She was such a sweet person, full of life and a loving mother and grandmother. I know you'll all miss her and think of her often. May the lord give you comfort and peace. John 3:16
So sorry ! We can comfort each other knowing where Ms Sue and my sweet B. J. Are. Heaven is rejoicing!!
I will forever miss my dear, beloved Aunt Sue. She was an amazing woman, always cheerful, laughing and kind. Her passing will leave such a void but I know she is rejoicing with Grandma & Grandpa, Uncle Howard, Mother & Daddy and all those who went before. I loved her so much.