Sue Smith Hartley

On Sunday, January 12th, 2025, Sue Richardson Smith Hartley saw the face of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who she loved, adored, and faithfully followed. Sue had just celebrated her 89th birthday.

Sue was born on December 31, 1935, in Rome, Ga., to Dixie and Mack Richardson. She was a lifelong Roman who was active in the Rome community with involvement in Rome Area Council for the Arts, Rome Symphony Orchestra, Good Neighbor Ministries, Xavier Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the community soup kitchen. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she previously served as an elder, was president of Women of the Church, and joyfully taught Sunday School. She was affectionately known to many people in the community as “Susu”, a name given to her by her grandchildren.

Sue was a graduate of Rome High School and maintained many of the friendships she formed there throughout her life. It was during high school when she met her husband, Barry Evans Smith, who she married on September 1, 1956. Sue and Barry enjoyed 49 years of marriage together until his death in 2005. After the death of her beloved Barry, Sue was blessed with a second marriage to the late Elzy “Buddy” Hartley who she also loved dearly.

Sue was smart, fastidious, industrious, and creative. As an adult she applied these traits by going back to school and achieving a bachelor’s degree in education from Berry College. Following the completion of her degree, Sue taught at several local schools, including Saint Mary’s Catholic School and Riverside Elementary. Sue loved impacting the lives of children and after retirement was always happy to run into former students and see how their lives had taken shape. She never forgot a face or name and made people feel loved with her warm smile and kind spirit. Later in life Sue pursued her personal dream of becoming an artist. She mastered the art of watercolor and produced dozens of beautiful works of art which adorned the walls of her own home as well as the homes of friends and family. Working with children and creating art were two of Sue’s passions which brought her tremendous happiness and fulfillment. Sue also had an impeccable sense of style and stood out from the crowd with her fashion choices, including her iconic oversized tortoiseshell sunglasses.

Sue was a faithful Christian. Her relationship with God always came first and she devoted her mornings as a time of prayer and communion. Her prayer list included family, friends, and strangers alike. The personal prayer of her heart was that God would work through her to bring people to know Jesus Christ. She participated in many mission trips and ministries over the years and had a special heart for service impacting women. Her walk as a disciple certainly led many people to see and know God. She was truly a good and faithful servant.

Sue’s family was at the center of her life always. She is survived by two daughters, Dixie Smith Ryall (Mike), and Merritt Smith Croland (John), and five grandchildren, Griffin Newton Nolan (Russell), Barrie Newton Turney (Brandon), John Michael Ryall (Chelsea), Susan Merritt Ryall, and Marie Elizabeth Ryall. Sue enjoyed doting over three precious great-grandchildren who also survive her, Branch Richardson Nolan, Benjamin Griffin Nolan, and Merritt Joyce Ryall. She also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Monte Howell Fricks, son-in-law, Bill Newton, nieces Kim Hicks and KathyLee Ballard, nephew, Bob Howell, and many other special friends and extended family members. Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Dixie and Mack, her sister and brother-in-law, Lucy and Greig Howie, and both of her husbands, Barry Smith and Buddy Hartley.

Sue’s family would like to extend a special expression of gratitude to the caregivers at The Spires at Berry College, Memory Care, who ensured Sue’s comfort and care during the final stages of her life.

A memorial service will be held at Sue’s home church, First Presbyterian in downtown Rome on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a service to follow at 11:30. Flowers can be sent to First Presbyterian Church or donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Rome Community Kitchen.

Daniel’s Funeral Home and Cremation Services makes this announcement for the family.