of Fox, AR

March 25, 1948 - December 22, 2019

Thelma Sue Davis Bullard was born on March 25, 1948 in Batesville, Arkansas. Thelma Sue graduated from her hospital bed in Conway Baptist Med to her new home in heaven on December 22, 2019 surrounded by people who loved her. She was the fourth child born to George Isaac Davis and Dana Faye Best Davis. (Their oldest two daughters, Lola Amajean, born September 4, 1941-died on October 20, 1941 and Georgana born August 3, 1942 - died August 3, 1942.) Their third daughter, Edna Faye Davis Huddler, was born March 14, 1946. Then Thelma Sue was born March 25, 1948. She was a child with an easy-going nature but when she made up her mind about something, she had a strong will.

I recall a couple of incidents that occurred when Sue was a child. Once we had out-of-state relatives that we had not seen for a couple of years come to visit. One of them commented on how big Sue had grown. Sue concluded from that comment that she was fat. She told Mom, ''I'll just stop eating!'' With the wisdom only a seasoned mother would use, Mom said, ''Well that's a good way to lose weight.'' So Sue did not eat lunch, but when we sat down to our evening meal, Sue came up and looked over the meal. Mom had made strawberry shortcake for dessert. Sue said, ''I think I want some strawberry shortcake. I'll only eat dessert.'' Mom explained that was probably not a good way to lose weight. Sue replied, ''Well, I want some anyway.'' And that was the end of Sue's diet plan.

Another time Sue was aggravated because Mom had disciplined her for something. Sue's response was, ''Well, I'll just run away.'' Mom was quiet for a moment, and then she asked Sue, ''Would you like me to help you pack? You'll need some things, you know.'' Sue ambled off and thought about it, but she never made it to the mailbox. And that's the way that story ended.

Her sister Sharon recalled another incident. We were in a revival at the church and during the altar service, Sue and several others went forward to pray at the altar. In a while, all of the other people finished praying and went back to their seats but Sue was still there. Mom knelt by Sue and laid her hand on her shoulder to pray with her. She noticed that Sue was awfully still and leaned over to see her face. Apparently Sue had prayed through, felt God's peace, and fallen asleep. After Mom's discovery, the service was dismissed. Then Mom woke Sue up so we could go home. These are just a few of the fond memories the Davis children have of their growing-up years.

Thelma Sue married Truman Bullard on March 17, 1962. She gave birth to their only child, Carmelita Denise, on July 31, 1963. Although they couldn't wait to welcome this much-loved child into the world, neither of them could have anticipated the complications that arose. Sue's heart stopped during the delivery for approximately 8 minutes. The doctor was able to get it started again, but all of our lives were changed drastically that day, (especially the life of her sister Sharon, who was appointed as Sue's legal guardian after Sue's mother passed away in 2013.) Carmelita Denise was the one bright spot on that day. She was a healthy baby with a sweet disposition who later grew up to marry Wesley McMurray and give Sue two grandchildren, Julie and Dalton. Years later, Dalton and his wife gave Sue two great-grandchildren, Landon and Liam.

Sue was taken care of most of her remaining life by her loved ones and family until they were no longer able to do so. Then in 2013, they had to entrust her care to Indian Rock Village in Fairfield Bay. She was loved, and her family visited her several times each week.

Thelma Sue was preceded in death by her parents, George and Dana Davis, and by her two older sisters, Lola Amajean and Georgana. She is survived by two sisters, Edna Huddler and Sharon Callahan, and one brother, Dwight Davis, her only child, Carmelita Denise, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and her neighbors and loved ones in Fox.

Funeral service will be Thursday, December 26, 2019 at 2 p.m. with visitation from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Timbo Valley Assembly of God Church with Brother David Campbell officiating. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Roller Crouch Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.

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