Gwenda Sue Hale

Gwenda Sue Hale, lovingly known as “Sweet Sue” was born on November 12, 1940, in Columbia, Missouri, to William Edward and Maggie Elizabeth Jones. As the first daughter and the third child in her family, she embodied a motherly spirit from a young age. At the age of four, Sue moved with her family to sunny Los Angeles, California, where ten more siblings joined the Jones household, further enriching her life with love and laughter. Sue received her education within the Los Angeles Unified School District and graduated from Manual Arts High School. She later attended Los Angeles City College.

A vibrant soul, Sue loved to skate, dance, party, and spend time with friends and family. She loved playing cards, cookouts in the park, and preparing delicious meals for those she loved. Her affinity for fine dining and travel was complemented by her love of shopping and laughter, and her best friend Charlotte and her beloved Pekingese Mink were cherished companions.

Sue cherished her angel, a baby girl named Candy. On March 4, 1974, she married her forever love, James Nelson Hale (she affectionately called Nelson), who hailed from Chicago, Illinois by way of Milan, Tennessee. Their 50-plus years of marriage brought forth a blended family of two sons, Keith and Dwayne, a daughter, Claudette (Leonard), and six cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sue's motherly nature extended beyond her immediate family, as she created lasting bonds with a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, and loving friends.

Sue embarked on a successful career, working for Occidental Life Insurance and later starting at the U.S. Postal Service. She dedicated many years continuing in her motherly spirit, working as a social worker, and she retired from the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services. In her spare time, Sue traveled the world, and upon retirement, she and her beloved husband, Nelson, moved from the windy city of Chicago, Illinois to the serene landscapes of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Having grown up in a Christian home, Sue developed a deep love for God and found joy in worshiping at Victory Missionary Baptist Church. Her warmth and kindness touched the lives of many and left each person she encountered feeling special. She will be remembered for her loving spirit, her strong independence, and the way she embraced people.

Mrs. Gwenda Sue Hale was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Nelson Hale, her angel Candy, her parents William and Maggie Jones, her daughter in love, Gwennette Hale; four brothers, Bennie Sid Jones, William Wallace Jones Sr., James H.L. Jones (Chuckie), and Ivan Edward Jones (Peter); two sisters, Carole Lougene Jones and Rhoda Emily Quinney. She leaves to cherish her life, her entire Hale family; one brother, John E. Jones; five sisters, Edythe Crawford, Le Edna Nerose, Enkunish Hailu (Rosalyn), Janice Miller (Walter), and her baby sister Margaret Jackson (Darrell); a host of Cousins, Nephews and Nieces, a multitude of other family members by love, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Sue’s life embodied love, laughter, and grace. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. Sweet Sue took her last flight and departed this life her way. She will be deeply missed.

A funeral service for Gwenda will be held Friday, October 3, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Palm Mortuary - Downtown, 1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Following the funeral service will be a committal service at 1:20 PM at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Boulder City, NV 89005.