Melva Sue Hedges

Mrs. Hedges graduated from John Tyler High School with honors. While in high school she also won several honors in the Future Homemakers of America Organization. She then graduated from Tyler Business College with honors.

Sue's employment included secretary to the President of National Bankers and Life Insurance Company in Dallas, secretary to Area Manager of Entex Gas Company in Jacksonville, secretary to the District Manager of Continental Telephone Company in Whitewright, secretary to the lead lawyer for Exxon Chemical Division in Baytown, and then secretary for Ron Schaeffer Law Firm in Lufkin. After retiring she volunteered as a HOST Mentor at Brandon Elementary and volunteered at Hospice In The Pines.

Sue, as a pastor's wife and dedicated Christian, served in many areas of ministry as well as filling in when needed to play the piano during worship services. She taught Sunday School for children, led children's choirs, taught Mission Friends, GA's and Acteens and was involved in WMU. She received an honorary degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Sue fulfilled the role of a pastor's wife with grace, love and unwavering faithfulness. She was a tremendous wife, daughter, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many. Sue's great love was for her Lord Jesus Christ and her family.

Survivors include her husband Rev. Jimmy Hedges, to whom she was married 58 plus years, her daughter and son-in-law John and Jamie Mahan, daughter-in-law Leigh Anne Hedges, grandchildren Judson Mahan, Jace Mahan and his wife Kendall, Camden Hedges, Addison Hedges, and two great grandchildren, Madalie Mahan and Tatum Mahan. She is also survived by sister Katie Looney, brother Thomas Chamness, brother-in-law Carrol Hedges and wife Jean, sisters-in-law Freda Hedges and Sammie Hedges, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son Bryan Hedges, her parents Louise and Virgil Chamness, and younger sister Anita Gullatt.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Gipson Funeral Home with Dr. Matthew Timmons officiating. Interment follow at Berry Cemetery.

Family will receive friends and family at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.