Linda Sue Smith

Linda Sue Thompson Smith September 30, 1948 – February 14, 2015

Linda Sue Thompson Smith passed away on February 14, 2015 with her family holding her hands at her bedside. She is free from the aches and pains of this world, rejoicing in Heaven.

Sue was born on September 30, 1948 in Paris, TN. As the 3rd of the 5 Thompson children, she grew up in a family of love on Lampkins Road in Cottage Grove. Sue enjoyed being raised on the "homeplace" and working the land with her brothers, sister, and parents.

Sue graduated from Cottage Grove High in 1966, where she was active in basketball and FHA. She was a life-long member of Cottage Grove Baptist Church, where she was saved at the age of 7. Sue was very active in the church through the years, including being the church organist for over 20 years, leader of church missionary groups, WMU Director, and VBS Director. Her passion for her church and service was a huge part of who she was.

Another passion for Sue, was her heart for caring for the elderly. After several years of working at Holley, she went to school to get her CNA license in 1988, and was employed by Henry County Healthcare. There Sue absolutely loved her work, as she later worked in therapy, and then became the Activities Director.

In 2010, when Sue moved to Sevierville, TN, she began working with the children's ministry at First Baptist Church, where she moved her membership. Again, Sue's heart for service was a light to those around her, as she continued to work with the children long after she couldn't speak due to her disease. Those kids loved her, and she loved them. Her desire to serve others was stronger than her desire to give in. Her presence was an inspiration each day she showed up, and communicated through her heart, smile, and writing.

Sue married Russell W. Smith on July 6, 1984. They resided in Henry County for most of their marriage until their move in 2010 to Sevier County.

Family was of great importance to Sue. The bond between her brothers and sister was like no other. She was always eager to spend time with them, as well as her daughter and son-in-law, grandchildren, many cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family. She has been reunited in heaven with her parents, J.C. and Mary Crowder Thompson, as well as her eldest brother Jackie Thompson. Her sweetest reunion was sure to be, her son, Christopher Rhea Wimberley who preceded her in 1995. She is survived by her husband Russell, her brothers, Don Thompson and wife Pam of Knoxville, Tommy Thompson and wife Joey of Cottage Grove, and sister Betty Jo Shirk and her husband Steve of Murphysboro, Illinois. As well as, her daughter, Patty Jo Wimberley Rawlings and husband Lynn of Gatlinburg whom will miss her greatly. She was deeply loved by her grandchildren, DiLynn Garrett and Rylie Jo Rawlings, along with her nieces and nephews, great nephews, and nieces, numerous cousins, aunts, in-laws, and daughter-in law. Her impact on each life of those who knew her, was significant and everlasting.

A celebration of Sue's life will be held on Tuesday, February 24 at Cottage Grove Baptist Church at 1:00 pm. Receiving of family will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Monday February 23. Burial will be immediately following the service at Walker's Cemetery, in Cottage Grove, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to the Sue Smith Memorial Fund viayoucaring.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Gateway Funeral Home & Crematory; 335 Franklin Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. Phone (931) 919-2600. Online condolences may be left at www.GatewayFH.com.