Viora Sue Carlin

Viora Sue Carlin ( Bailey), 89, began her eternal life in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 30th, 2025. Sue leaves behind her daughter Jodi Sue Martin, (Glenn ), her son Marquis Buckley ( Gail ), Viora Beth Gallagher( Terry ), 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great- great grandchildren, her brother Joe Steven Bailey (Linda) and her beloved pups “Lady” and “Pepper”.

Sue was a devoted mother, a loving wife, grandmother and sacrificial servant to many. Anything she committed her brilliant mind and gifted hand to was made better.

Sue ministered as a young woman, leading children's choirs out of high school. Sue attended Georgetown College where she met the love of her life, Robert Buckley Carlin. She received a 2 year teaching degree and taught all of her life in every setting she found herself; from teaching inner city kids how to cook, to dog training, goat showing and preparing kids at the Glendale Children’s Home for independent living and helping them get accepted into colleges. She was quick and detailed, a genius in planning and executing activities and large gatherings. Sue wrote policy and procedure manuals, chaired building committees, won highest leadership awards all of her adult life doing groundbreaking work in Cooperative Extension 4-H work in Ohio and Kentucky. She was recognized as a Kentucky State Volunteer Bell Award recipient, and received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her tireless and dedicated work in her community and as a Hardin County 4-H council and Extension district board representative. The “Carlin” award is named in her honor for outstanding service to Hardin County 4-H. She wrote early 4-H dog care manuals in Ohio, and was a groundbreaking member of Mid-Kentucky Kennel Club and the Columbus All-Breed Training Club where she held highest offices and served in many capacities over the years. The members of this club are her dear friends as are members of Severns Valley Church.

While at Glendale Baptist Home she worked tirelessly trimming goat hooves, teaching 4-H projects and taking 30 plus kids to the Kentucky State Fair, forming and leading her “Glendale Singers” choir trips to churches across the State of Kentucky.

Sue changed the atmosphere in many places from institutional warehouses into gracious provision for children in Ohio and Kentucky . Sue spoke in churches to support Baptist Homes for Children, was president of women’s mission boards at the state level, coordinated dog exhibits at the Ohio State Fair, chaired dog shows, judged cattle and goats and dogs, created petting exhibits and sunflower growing contests, sold ice cream and made chili, volunteered in nursing homes, did interviews with local tv personalities, spoke to politicians and pastors about issues that concerned her. Sue supported Buckley Carlin as an equal partner and life source working tirelessly to execute their shared vision in practical ways. Their life commitment together can be summed up in the words “Let the children come”.

Sue’s impact and values will forever be carried through her family and to those she dedicated her sacrificial service. She can now rest in the knowledge she has been a good and faithful servant. She is missed dearly by her family, many friends and colleagues.