Carolyn Sue Dickson Vines' Obituary
Carolyn Sue Dickson Vines, 86, was joyously welcomed into the gracious and loving arms of her Lord Jesus Christ on November 4, 2022, surrounded by her family.
Sue was born on April 4, 1936 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Homer and Anne Dickson. Her family moved to Fort Smith when she was three years old and she cherished her childhood spending happy times with dear friends and family. From an early age, she loved watching sports with her father, taking family trips, dancing and all types of music, which she enjoyed even more because she remembered the lyrics to every song.
She attended Rogers Elementary School, Fort Smith Junior High, Fort Smith High School, and graduated from the University of Arkansas where she was an active member of the Tri Delta sorority. She married her college sweetheart and was an elementary school teacher until she retired to be the most incredible, giving and selfless full-time mother, her true and passionate calling. She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas where she was a founding member of the Discussion Class and made many enduring friendships. After her daughters went off to college, Sue flourished in her new role as a successful realtor, receiving many awards; but the true joys in her life remained her relationships with family, friends and community in Fort Smith. Sue moved to Dallas, Texas the last three years of her life to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren.
Sue treasured her roles as wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She made everyone feel valued, had a unique gift of hospitality and created a welcoming, happy home. Often her friends, both young and old, would drop in at any hour to play games, laugh, trade stories and share life together. She cherished her family and making memories, such as baking Christmas cookies and singing Christmas carols. Her daughters learned from her the joy of celebrating others, especially on birthdays and holidays. Sue had an incredible memory, even up until she went to be with the Lord, and could remember her daughters’ dance recital routines, old stories about her upbringing and friends, and all of her grandchildren’s favorite things. She was incredibly thoughtful and witty. In her life, she consistently modeled the importance of integrity, loyalty, responsibility, service and faith. Her greatest joy in later years was time with her grandchildren and Susu looked forward to every family gathering.
She was preceded in death by her parents Homer and Anne Dickson. Left to cherish her memory is her loving family, including daughters Laura Vines Lodwick and her husband Pete Lodwick, Elizabeth Vines Sharkey and her husband Paul Sharkey, and Sue's grandchildren Caroline and her husband, Jack Taylor, Matthew and Leslie Lodwick, William Sharkey and his wife, Abigail, and Katherine Sharkey.
Her family is grateful for the loving care of the staff at Presbyterian Village North, her faithful caregiver, Desiree Garza, and the staff at T. Boone Pickens Hospice for their kind and attentive care.
A Memorial Service celebrating Sue’s life will be on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church Roebuck Chapel in Fort Smith, Arkansas at 11 a.m. with officiant, Reverend William Reeves. The family encourages all who attend to wear bright colors in honor of Sue’s joyful spirit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sue’s honor to either First United Methodist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas or the Salvation Army.
To sign the online guest book please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
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