Sue Ella Brown

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Sue-Ella “Susie” Hixson Brown, age 79, formerly of Knoxville, TN, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025 surrounded by her three children. 

Susie was raised in Newport and attended UT-Knoxville where she was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education, she moved to Auburn, AL where she taught chemistry before her children were born. Moving back to Knoxville in 1969, she returned to UT,earning a Master of Science in Library Science-all while raising 3 children under the age of 6!! She was an elementary school librarian for over 38 years, with the majority of her tenure spent at Mooreland Hgts Elementary in South Knoxville. After retiring, she relocated to St. Augustine, FL with her son, Michael, where she spent 6 years soaking up her beloved sunshine in the warmer temperatures. In 2021, she returned to TN with Michael and his family, settling in Cookeville.

Susie was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, and served several terms as a Deacon. She was very involved in various church ministries. During her summer breaks, her love of house painting was put to use on Habitat for Humanity homes and Sunday afternoons would find her cooking and serving meals for the homeless. When in FL, her volunteer heart continued in service through The Village Church in St. Augustine. 

Susie loved to travel and her favorite destination was anywhere with a beach. She took many wonderful trips, always to a tropical locale, with her favorite travel companion, the late Wally Conard (a fellow Newporter she reconnected with years later). Her “must have” list included a tan, red lipstick, a quality pedicure, a 2 piece bathing suit, a good book and salty snacks. She loved her red convertible and sweet dog, Rosie, but most of all she loved her grandchildren and loved telling people how she went from having none to having 7 in just 3 short years. 

Susie is preceded in death by her parents Basil Hugh Grady and Minnie Sue (Turner) Hixson and her brother, Hugh. She will be greatly missed by her three children and their spouses, Priscilla (Jason Jenkins), Michael (Stacie), and Christian (Toni) and by her grandchildren Jake and Ella Jenkins, Reagan and Ryleigh Brown, and Grady, Luke, and James Brown.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses at Charter Senior Living in Cookeville, TN for their kindness and support.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Habitat for Humanity or Young-Williams Animal Center, Knoxville, TN. 

A Celebration of Susie’s Life will be planned in Knoxville at a later date. 

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.