Mrs. Susan J Goodrum

Susan Jeanne Goodrum went to be with her savior on May 23, 2014. She was the daughter of the late Leonard R. Ellis, Jr. and Jeanne Pamplin Ellis of Hot Springs, Arkansas. She is survived by her husband William A. Goodrum, Jr. (Buddy) and her three sons William A. Goodrum, III (Skip), Richard Allan Goodrum, Michael Waites Goodrum and numerous grandchildren. She was born in 1945 in Hot Springs, Arkansas where she lived her entire life. After graduating from Hot Springs High School in 1963 she entered William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Music. She was a charter member of the Alpha Phi Sorority and a lifelong supporter. She and Buddy Goodrum were married in 1968 in Hot Springs at First United Methodist Church. Teaching was a passion and a love of Susan’s. Before her sons were born, she taught a year at Lakeside Elementary. She later continued her teaching career at St. John's School for one year, and 3rd grade at Greenwood and Gardner Elementary Schools for 17 years, retiring in 2000. She loved music: teaching it, performing it, and sharing it. Susan served as Choir Director at First United Methodist Church for 7 years, and Oaklawn Methodist Church for 3 years. She loved being known as “The Wedding Singer”. Her "Lord's Prayer" and "O Holy Night" were her memorable staples. Inheriting her father's political gene, Susan served as President of the Hot Springs Classroom Teachers Association, being the key contact for Senators Dale Bumpers and David Pryor. Having her mother Jeanne's gift for cooking, Susan was sought after for her "famous" Coconut Cream and Chocolate Pies. Having concern for teens in Hot Springs, Susan became a member of CASA and through that program touched many lives. She and her favorite faithful canine companion Crockett also touched lives by participating in the Pet Therapy Group. They made a great team and were constant companions. She was also a very committed member of PEO and loved her many friends there. She loved her church, First United Methodist, where she was a lifelong member. She was a charter member of the Helen Wilson Circle and helped found the Seekers Sunday School Class. She had "her pew" down front when she wasn't singing in the choir. In 2013, Susan was the recipient of the Karen Rutledge Survivor Award for Community Service. This award was presented by Our Promise Cancer Resources. Susan loved life and enjoyed doing many things, including but not limited to: Razorback anything, the race track on Fridays, bird watching, the Hot Springs Music Festival, Relay for Life, The Bridge House, leading the Twelve Days of Christmas (a family tradition) on Christmas Eve, her lake swing, her dog, her friends, her family and all her precious grandchildren. She valiantly fought a long battle with cancer without complaint and always maintained that beautiful signature smile that we all loved. A visitation service for Susan will be held Tuesday, May 26th at Gross Funeral Home from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. This will be followed by a celebration of her life at First United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27th. She will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be made to Our Promise Cancer Resources, 133 Harmony Park Circle, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913.