Susie Marie (Isom) Tolleson

Susie Marie (Isom) Tolleson, 91, of Crossett, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. She was born on December 7, 1933, in Watson, Arkansas, to Ben Martin Isom and Leona Cooley Isom. Susie was the fourth of seven children in a close-knit family.

Her parents’ story began during the Great Flood of 1927 when Ben and Leona met on the levee. Their bond grew stronger after the waters receded, and they soon married. Leona passed away at a young age, leaving Ben to raise their children with the help of their devoted grandmother, Rachael, and other family members. They were sharecroppers, among other things, and despite life's challenges, Ben remained steadfast and never remarried.

In 1964, Susie and her husband, Glynn, moved to Crossett after he was transferred from the Pine Bluff Paper Mill to the Crossett Paper Mill. During her early years, Susie enjoyed working as a waitress, a job she loved, and later took a position at the local shirt factory. However, after settling in Crossett, Susie devoted herself fully to her greatest calling—caring for her home, her husband, and raising their daughters.

She and Glynn became faithful members of South Crossett Missionary Baptist Church, where Susie served with love and dedication. Her church family held a special place in her heart, and she treasured the fellowship and friendships she built there.

Susie’s warmth and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone she met. She was known for treating strangers like family and embracing every child as her own. Her greatest desire was for her family to know Jesus as their Savior and to love and support one another through life’s challenges.

As the matriarch of her family, Susie was the glue that held everyone together, always leading with strength, wisdom, and love. Affectionately known as “the boss,” she took pride in guiding her family with a steady hand and a caring heart. She cherished her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her great-great-grandson, finding immense joy in their lives and accomplishments. Susie’s legacy of love, faith, and family will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Glynn Tolleson; three sisters, Frankie Isom, Bennie Fortenberry, and Bonnie “Tootsie” Dennis; and two brothers, Floyd “Buddy” Isom, and George “Little Bud” Isom.

She is survived by one sister, Erma Lee Cox “Jane”, and children; Donnie Stevens of Midlothian, TX, LeAnn Oden (Sammy) of Crossett, and Glynda Kay Sapp (Russell) also of Crossett; along with nine grandchildren, Cheri Culbreath, Randal Culbreath (Heather), Dana Smith (Aaron), Cassi Carter (Chase), Nathan, Lesle and Seirra Stevens, Melissa Sapp (Jimmy Curl) and Lori Sapp (Brandi Hill), twelve great grandchildren, Ariel Russette (Caden), Amberlyn and Hanli Allen, Ayden Carter, Reagynn, Rileigh, and Reid Culbreath, Kaibry, Brynn, and Ella Smith, and Mackenzie, and Jorga Curl; one great-great grandson, Brooks Russette; and a host of extended family, church family, and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, January 12th, at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett, with Pastor Tim Post, officiating, followed by interment at Crossroads Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Sammy Oden, Russell Sapp, Randal Culbreath, Aaron Smith, Chase Carter, Caden Russette, Reid Culbreath, Ayden Carter and Jimmy Curl.

Visitation will be from 12:00-1:00 p.m., Sunday prior to the service.

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