Sue was a loving wife, mother, grandmother (Nana), cousin, and friend. She had a deep love for Jesus Christ, a lifelong passion for music - playing both the violin and piano - and a true enjoyment of family and friends.
She was a dedicated and gifted student, valedictorian of the Class of 1961 at Gulfport High School, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Newcomb College of Tulane University in 1965. While there, she was an active member of Phi Mu, serving as vice president her senior year, and was also a member of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national honorary mathematics fraternity. Following her graduation, Sue began her career teaching math before returning to school to study computer science and transitioning into computer programming. She later held programming positions with the State of Virginia and at Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma, Louisiana.
Sue held a special place in her heart for her cousins and lifelong friends along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, where she grew up. She later made her home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with her husband and children, and lived in Newport News and Richmond, Virginia, as well as Houma, Louisiana, before eventually returning to Baton Rouge. Along the way, she built meaningful relationships with coworkers, neighbors, and many dear friends she met through the churches her husband pastored in Louisiana, Virginia, and Texas.
Sue took great joy and pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Her home was filled with countless photographs and keepsakes celebrating their achievements, and she delighted in stepping in as their go-to math tutor whenever needed. She cherished trips to the mountains of Tennessee with her husband, Tommy, enjoyed attending GGG luncheons with friends as well as Phi Mu alumnae events, and playing her violin in The South Louisiana Community Orchestra (SLCO).
Left to cherish her memory are her son, James Alan Harrell and his wife, Cheryl Tucker Harrell; her daughter, Amy Harrell Burford and husband, John Jason Burford; and four grandchildren, Tucker Mason Harrell, Anna Katherine Harrell, John Thomas Burford, and Caroline Batson Burford. She is also survived by many cherished cousins in southern Mississippi, as well as nieces and nephews in Texas and several western states.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Dr. Thomas L. Harrell, Jr., and her parents, Esco and Myrtice Smith.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge (Dunham Chapel), with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial and a graveside service will follow on April 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Gulfport, Mississippi. Memorial gifts may be made in honor of Sue’s life to Boys Town, a nonprofit-based organization dedicated to caring for children and families that she supported.
