Sue Tatum Roe

Sue Tatum Roe, 95, of Gadsden, Alabama, went home to be with her Savior on August 9, 2022, during a brief stay in Riverview Hospital. A life well lived is defined by the positive and impactful effect it has on others. Sue loved much and was profoundly loved by her family and friends. In her final days she demonstrated strength, resiliency, and continued expressions of love and encouragement to her family.

She was born on April 3, 1927, in Gadsden, Alabama. Graduating from Gadsden High School, she attended the University of Alabama in 1946 studying Spanish. Upon returning to Gadsden, she worked as a secretary for Goodyear Tire during the war. She married the love of her life, Richard V. Conner in 1948, and lived in Auburn, Alabama while Richard attended Auburn University. Although raising a family of five, she found time to work as a medical transcriptionist in both Gadsden and Hampton, Virginia.

Sue was known for her amazing ability to work crossword puzzles even into her 95th year. Moreover, she could name every Western ever produced and could fill you in on the particular episodes. Her sparkling blue eyes twinkled with hope despite having walked through some of the most difficult trials life can bring. Perhaps that is why she adopted the motto that life is too short to skip dessert.

Clearly, she loved her church, First Baptist, which she attended for nearly fifty years. Sue was active in the WMU and assisted with teaching her adult Sunday school class when needed. Additionally, she held fond remembrances of traveling with the senior groups. Her children and grandchildren have memories of many delightful summers attending Vacation Bible schools at her invitation. She thoroughly enjoyed deep dives into Bible study and talked often about the inspirations she gained from these times. Her family will treasure the Christian legacy she left them forever.

Surviving children include Richard V. Conner, Jr. (Debbie), E. Jane Dearing (Don), Errol T. Conner (Christine), and J. David Conner (Cindy). Her much-loved grandchildren are as follows: Heather Lechner, Ashleigh Eller, Mauri Booth, John M. Dearing; Hannah Atkins, Israel Conner, Rachel Conner; Brandon Conner; Thomas Conner, and Christopher Conner. Additionally, ten great grandchildren affectionately refer to her as Subie. She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Errol and Hildred Tatum, sister, Jane Durham, husbands Richard V. Conner and Carl Stinson Roe, and son, John Paul Conner.

The entire family wishes to express their affection, sincere respect, and admiration for this remarkable life. A life that exemplified the truth that joy is a choice found ultimately in the Lord Jesus Christ.

A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church Chapel in Gadsden on Saturday, August 13 at 12:00 noon followed by graveside prayer and scripture reading at Forrest Cemetery.