Sue Ann McAlister

Sue was born December 4, 1943 in Claremore, Oklahoma to Isam M. and Dorsey M. Allen. She attended Tulsa Public Schools until age 15 when her stepfather , Odis Cottrell, moved the family to Noble. She graduated from Noble High School in 1961. On August 4, 1961, she married Joe McAlister, her high school sweetheart, in Noble. They made their home in Norman until her death.

She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Oklahoma in 1970, and taught third grade at Jackson Elementary School in Norman for 19 years. In 1986 she earned a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Oklahoma, and spent her remaining career as Library Media Specialist at Jackson, Westmoore High School, Central Elementary School in Moore and Truman Elementary School in Norman.

Sue was a tireless child reading advocate and served numerous organizations and encouraged and assisted many authors of children’s books. Her love of literature and reading served as an inspiration to her students and to her two daughters both of whom became elementary teachers. She was chosen as her school nominee for Teacher of the Year for Jackson Elementary, Westmoore High School and Central Elementary School.

Sue retired from teaching in May of 2006. After her retirement, she served as an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma for two years and as Interim Children’s Minister at the First Baptist Church of Norman for two years. She was also a dedicated docent at the Fred Jones Museum of Art, a student intern advisor for the College of Education and tutored students at Truman and Lincoln Elementary Schools.

Sue was a lifelong Southern Baptist and a longtime member and Sunday school teacher at the First Baptist Church of Norman. The church sustained her throughout her life, especially throughout her final illness.

Sue is survived by her husband, Joe of the home; daughter, Cynthia Ann Williamson of Noble; daughter Kimberly Sue McElroy and her husband, Kevin of Moore; three special nieces, Georgia Stachura of Richmond, MI, Marsha James of Moore, Amy Bass of Norman and numerous family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, mother, stepfather, sisters, Wanda England, and RuDean Petersen.

Services will be 2:00 PM Monday at the First Baptist Church of Norman. Burial will follow at Noble IOOF Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday at Primrose Funeral Service. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday at Primrose.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Norman Building Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Primrose Funeral Service. Visit primrosefuneralservice.com for on-line condolences.