Georgia Sue Massengale

GEORGIA 'SUE' BRYANT MASSENGALE, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and niece of Paul 'Bear' Bryant, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on October 31, 2014. She was born in the New Edinburgh, Arkansas community of Smith Chapel on December 17, 1929, living in the same family home until graduating from New Edinburgh High School in 1947. Enrolling at Little Rock Draughn School of Business at 17 years old, she completed a secretarial course, and with a $100 loan from her father, Jack, she began her journey to Houston, Texas, where she spent the next 66 years. Humble Oil Company became her first employer. After winning First Place at the Humble Oil Company Beauty Pageant contest, she met her loving husband, James (Jimmy) L. Massengale II at the 'after' party. Jimmy was a well-respected, practicing attorney at law within the Houston-Galveston area. Jimmy and Sue resided in the Bay area during their married life from the "stilt" homes in Kemah to the "ranch" house in Webster and finally on the 'waterfront' in Nassau Bay. Affectionately known by her grandchildren as "Momma Sue," she dedicated her life to being a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Sue retired after a 30-year career as a court reporter with the Harris County 177th Criminal District Court. Her life as a Christian began at Smith Chapel Church of God, Kingsland, Arkansas. Sue has faithfully attended University Baptist Church in Clear Lake City for many years. Sue is preceded in death by her parents, Jack H. Bryant and Mamie Best Bryant; brother, James B. Bryant; widowed in 1990 by James L. Massengale II and then by her second husband, Talmadge Parker, in 1995. She is survived by her sisters, Shirley Bryant Ham and Darlene Bryant Hulka and brothers-in-law John Ham and Steve Hulka; daughters, Jennifer 'Ginger' Gordon and husband Alan; Manice LeJune and husband Jack; Tamra Parks and husband Mark; and son, Lyndon Massengale and wife Rosemary; Grandchildren Ashley, Alex and husband Jason, Whitney and husband Brock, Jerrett and wife Rachel, Hannah, Tyler and James; great grandchildren Ashtin, Hallie, Corrie, and Chett, along with many other family members and friends. The family will accept visitors from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 3, 2014 at Forest Park East Funeral Home. A celebration of Sue’s life will take place Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at University Baptist Church, 16106 Middlebrook Dr., Houston, Texas followed by the interment in Forest Park East Cemetery, 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, Texas. The family wishes to thank M.D. Anderson's doctors and nurses for their compassionate care during Sue's illness.

"Do not grieve for me. Be happy that after 84 1/2 years, I have fought the fight, run the race, and reached the finish line. I will be waiting in Heaven for all of you." Author Unknown