Norene Sue Brackett, 79, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025. Born in Dowagiac, Michigan, Sue lived a life full of love and faith. She had a heart for children and spent time as a kindergarten teacher, librarian, and orthodontist office manager. Beyond her career, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always putting her family first.
Sue married the love of her life, Joe Brackett, and together they built a beautiful family over sixty-one years. She is survived by her husband Joe; her children, Rob Brackett (Angela) and Jodie Crockarell (John); and six wonderful grandchildren—Blake Brackett (Anya), Brittany Mikl (John), Brandon Brackett, JoBeth Currie (Adam), Chip Crockarell (Rachel), and Jackson Crockarell. They all came to know that “Gram’s” house is the place where cousins go to become best friends. She was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren. Sue now joins her parents, Claire and Donna Stretch, and her sister, Deanna Ruble, in heaven.
Sue had a passion for life—whether it was playing golf, getting lost in a good book, or playing the piano. She loved traveling, especially to Palm Springs, California, where she made cherished memories with family and friends. Her faith was her foundation, and she shared it with others by leading children’s church and women’s Bible studies, always offering words of wisdom and encouragement.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Sue’s life on Thursday, February 6, at Grace Church of the Nazarene, 8979 E Shelby Dr, Memphis, TN 38125. Visitation will be held from 11 AM to 1 PM, followed by a memorial service at 1 PM. A reception will take place from 2 PM to 4 PM at Collierville Funeral Home, 3863 Bailey Station Rd, Collierville, TN 38017.
Donations may be made in her honor to Grace Church of the Nazarene or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—two places that reflect her love for faith and helping others.
Sue’s kindness, encouragement, and generosity are a reflection of the love she received from her savior, Jesus Christ. We can find comfort in knowing that she is in His presence, her faith has become sight, and she has heard Him say “well done”.
