Susie Bell Woods (Sue as she like to be called) was born January 11, 1943. Born in Gallatin, TN at the home of her maternal grandmother, Sarah Lou Carr. Sue was the only child of Robert and Anna Woods. Sue’s young years were spent in Gallatin, TN, where she lived with her grandmother for a brief period, where she attended elementary school.
Later Sue would join her parents in Chicago, Il where her father was a minister of Monroe Street Church of Christ. Sue was baptized at the age of 9 yrs old. She began assisting her mother as she worked in the Preschool Sunday School Classes. Sue enjoyed working with small children, as would be seen in her later choice of profession as an elementary school teacher. Sue’s mother, also had a passion for Christian education, working untiringly for Southwester Christian College. In her mother’s memory, Sue would later support Southwestern Christian College in various ways, by speaking at National Dinner Days and Ladies for Christian Education Youth Education Extravaganzas, raising money and silent auctions all in support of Christian Education.
After graduating from Evanston Township High School, Sue attended Michigan Christian Jr. College and received her Associate of Arts Degree. She later attended Oklahoma Christian University and received her B.S. Degree. While attending University of Central Oklahoma to achieve her Master’s Degree, she met Ted Morris, the love of her life. After receiving her Master’s degree, Sue became a member of the illustrious women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Beta Sigma Omega Graduate Chapter.
On New Year’s Eve 1965, Sue was married to Theodore Morris (Ted) in Chicago, Il, at her childhood church, Monroe Street Church of Christ, with her father giving her away and conducting the ceremony. To this union one child, Ericka Ann was born. Ted and Sue loved to travel, especially with Grandson Eric Sean, whenever Sue was not teaching.
Sue worked in the Oklahoma Public School System as a second grade teacher at Harmony Elementary and West Nicols Hills from 1965 to 1970, she later transferred to Millwood Independent School District in 1970. After receiving her Master’s Degree, she worked as a reading specialist/reading coordinator. Later she would return to the University of Central Oklahoma to receive a certification in Special Education. In 2002-2003 Sue was recognized as Teacher of the Year for Millwood Public Schools. During her professional career, Sue worked as an adjunct professor at Rose State College, teaching reading. Sue also worked in the state’s GED program, helping many incarcerated young women earn their GEDs. After 37 yrs of teaching at Millwood Sue retired in 2007, but not from teaching young people. She soon began using her gift as a reading teacher to tutor students in Oklahoma City Public Schools and Putnam City Schools.
Sue’s spiritual training as a child was evident in her faithfulness to the Church. She served as Sunday School teacher at various grade levels and enjoyed working in Vacation Bible School. She served on various Church committees and considered it an honor to be on the Ladies Retreat Committee, to work with such talented and dedicated ladies was an honor. Recognition of the Minister and his wife was another committee that always brought joy!!
Sue transitioned this life on July 5, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents and loving devoted husband of 50 yrs Ted. She leaves to cherish her memory, daughter Ericka Ann and grandson Eric Sean, along with countless other relatives, friends, former co-workers and professional associates who are dear to the family.
A visitation for Sue will be held Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 13313 North Kelley, Oklahoma City, OK 73131.
A funeral service will occur Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Northeast Church of Christ, 4817 N. Martin Luther King Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73111.
Sue will be laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery, 13400 N. Kelley Avenue, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73131.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemorialParkOKC.com for the Morris family.
