On September 25, 2024, the world lost one of its brightest lights. Betty Sue McConnell left this earth, and HEARD the Lord say, welcome home thy good and faithful servant.

Sue was born on January 4, 1931, to Tom and Eva McMahan Allen.

Sue is survived by her children, Larry McConnell, Jim McConnell (Ginger), and Suzy Norton (David); siblings: Ruby Poindexter, John Allen (Betty), Linda Passmore; sisters-in-laws, Jaunita Allen, Verlie Allen, Patsy Allen, and Ruth Marra. She also is survived by grandchildren, Blake Harrell (Jessie), Evan Harrell (Lauren), Jeremy McConnell (Jessica), Justin Harrell, Adam McConnell, Laura Mastrilli (Austin); great grandchildren, Kennedy Harrell, Kingston Harrell, Aspen Harrell, Elin Harrell, Nile Harrell, Milo McConnell, Huck McConnell, and Amos McConnell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis McConnell, siblings: Ollie Mae Hurst, Furman Allen, Lloyd Allen, Grady Allen, and Ralph Allen.

Sue was a mother figure to many in her life. The number of people who at some point in time lived in her house was astounding. It was a magical place that never seemed to run out of room. It didn't matter how many people piled in for meals or a visit, there was always space.

Sue's family was her proudest achievement. Her kids and grandchildren have countless joyful memories of time spent together. Her house was still a weekly gathering place for her family. Her kids and grandchildren have always been a constant in her house, because of the relationships she cultivated.

Her love of crafting and sewing kept them in clothes and projects for many years. She made clothes and quilts. The number of blue jeans patched can't possibly be tallied. She could bring any idea they had to fruition.

While they did reap the benefits of her sewing, her grandchildren still have nightmares of the hours they spent in places like Foam and Fabric or sewing machine repair shops. Sue loved going places and expected to be able to do her shopping. It didn't matter who was with her, Sue was in charge of the stops. Occasionally they would be able to play at Chuck E Cheese, but they would always find a much better place to actually eat a meal.

Not only was Sue a whiz with a sewing machine, there was nothing she couldn't make. She made things out of pinecones, gourds, spoons, rocks, walnuts, safety pins, scrap fabric. Anything you had laying around could be used. She was not above asking people who were traveling to bring back as many long pine needles or huge pinecones as they could possibly fit in their vehicle. Or asking her sons to grow a field full of gourds and dry them out. Sue gifted her crafts to many people she loved over the years, and we know many of these gifts are still treasured. Many people are probably still kept warm with quilts she made.

Sue loved visits from people so much. She wanted to know everything that was going on, and she knew most things. She didn't miss anything that could be seen out of her windows. When talking to her you could easily learn things about your own family you didn't even know.

Sue was a lifelong member of Liberty Baptist Church. At their 150th anniversary this year she was recognized as the oldest living member. Her church and faith were a cornerstone in her life. When able, she was very involved in her church. Her projects and outreaches are still around and continuing today. Even when she was unable to hear the preacher, she still attended faithfully. She had dear friends who would type what was being said for her, so she could be actively involved in worship. Listening to Sue pray was always a blessing. A fond memory was of her reading the story of Jesus' birth on Christmas Eve. Her faith and love of Jesus leaves a deep impact on her family.

Cowee community will miss Sue on New Year's Day. She had a tradition of giving everyone who visited a dollar- to bring you wealth through the new year. She would also have a meal of greens and black-eyed peas she was willing to share with everyone that stopped by.

Sue will be so missed by her family, but they find comfort in knowing that she is with Jesus healed and whole. Sue found her gifts in life and shared them with her community. Her ability to love and the grace she demonstrated to others was so great that it will leave a lasting impact. We are so thankful for her legacy and love.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 30th from 1-2pm at Liberty Baptist Church. A funeral service will follow at 2pm. Rev. Davis Hooper and Justin Harrell will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Blake Harrell, Evan Harrell, Justin Harrell, Jeremy McConnell, Adam McConnell, and Austin Mastrilli. Honorary pallbearers will be the great grandchildren.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.