Sue Ann Middlebrook Mansfield

Sue Ann Middlebrook Mansfield enjoyed a long eventful life spanning more than 91 years, from May 2, 1931 to January 5, 2023. After a difficult home birth in rural Louisiana, it wasn’t clear that either the baby or her mother would survive, however, thanks to the faith and efforts of the family’s beloved nurse, Roe Ann, the baby thrived and flourished. She was an outgoing child, and grew into a tall, strong “Southern lady”, known for her grace, devotion, generosity, and faith. She loved nature as God’s creation, saw beauty in the ordinary, and sought to help any person she saw in need.

She met her future husband Charles W Mansfield, of Bandera, TX, at Baylor University, and they married in 1953. Their marriage endured for 35 years, and they were blessed with four children. Sue Ann touched many lives and was loved by her wide circle of friends and her large family for her generosity, creativity, faith, and playful sense of humor. Sue Ann inherited her mother’s culinary talents, and family and friends enjoyed her take on the classic Southern specialties such as chicken fried steak, turnip greens and fig preserves. She was especially famous for her delicious pies (which none of her children have ever been able to duplicate). She enjoyed a long career as a highly regarded English teacher at several middle schools in Austin (O. Henry, Bedichek, Hyde Park Baptist), where she positively shaped the lives of many students. She was a very giving person, serving as Den Mother, Sunday School teacher, and in later years as a volunteer English teacher to adult immigrants. Highlights of Sue Ann’s life were the Alaska cruises she took with her grandchildren, her trips to Europe with her beloved friend Libby Lineback. and her years in Georgetown with her many “running buddies”. She also overcame heartache and tragedy, and lent support to those attempting to do the same.

Perhaps her greatest gift was as a grandmother, and she is deeply loved by her eight grandchildren. Sue Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Otto Schube Middlebrook and Elsa Knighten Middlebrook, her ex-husband Charles, and by her son William Knighten Mansfield. She is survived by her children Marianna Goldrick (Jim), Charley Mansfield (Diane), and Robert Andrew Mansfield, and by her eight grandchildren: Jimmy Goldrick (Vanessa), Travis Mansfield (Amy), Joshua Mansfield, Charles “Taylor” Mansfield (Jessica), Elliot Goldrick (Adriana), Summer Mansfield (Christian),Hillary Goldrick (Jake), and Gregory Ann Goldrick (Robert). She is also survived by her sister Ruby Jane Bailey, niece Robin Neal, sister-in-law Doris Henderson, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and 8 great-grandchildren: Lilianna, Tristan, Barrett, Max, Oliver, Emelia, Lemon, and Samuel.

The family would like to express our gratitude to the staff at Brookdale Assisted Living for the care and affection they showed to Sue Ann. Our special appreciation goes to Allison, Hattie, Elvia, René, Lucinda, and Wolguin. We want you all to know that she loved you and kept you in her heart.

Services will be held at Cook-Walden Capital Park Funeral Home, 14501 North IH 35, Pflugerville TX 78660, on Monday January 16, 2023 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, with visitation from 2:00 pm-3:00 pm.

Please join us for a reception following the memorial service, at the home of Marianna and Jim Goldrick at 1802 Barton Parkway, Austin, 78704.

Donations in her honor can be directed to Refugee Services of Texas (https://www.rstx.org)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Mansfield family.