Sue Ellen Letterman, age 75, of Texarkana, Texas, died Friday, May 15, 2026 in a Shreveport, Louisiana hospital.

Mrs. Letterman was born on December 7, 1950, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was an Administrative Assistant for the Texarkana Independent School District and attended Northwood Presbyterian Church.

Sue Ellen was a full-spirited, fun-loving, intelligent, hard-working child, teenager, woman - a daughter, sister, wife, mother & grandmother, & an aunt. She excelled in the kitchen & worked magic with plants and flowers. She was an accomplished hostess.

Her sisters all agree, ' we are not dramatic - it is personality'.

Sue Ellen is survived by her husband, Robert Letterman of Texarkana, Texas;  children, Marlo Bennett of Austin, Texas, Melayne Bennett of Denton, Texas, Martin & Sommer Bennett of Texarkana, Texas, Sheila & Brian Griffith of Texarkana, Texas, Carrie Phillips of Texarkana, Texas; one brother, Allan M. Thomas Jr.& Dr. Jean Thomas of Lewiston, Idaho,  sisters, Sherry & Michael Dozier of Franklin, Tennessee, Theresa Bailey of Burnet, Texas, Tina Thompson of Austin, Texas, Cynthia & Doug Williams of Rowlett, Texas;  cousin Vicki Thomas of Mims Florida, grandchildren, Travis Bennett, Kylie Rubin, Blakelynn Bennett, Josh  Griffith, Colby Griffith, Jarrod Mears, Jordan Mears, Hannah & Kolton McCoy, Hayden Phillips and numerous other nieces,  nephews relatives and friends.

Sue Ellen was an excellent cook who found great joy in the kitchen, always trying new recipes and creating meals that brought people together. She often entered her dishes in the fair and proudly won ribbons for her talents over the years. She was also a wonderful hostess who loved opening her home to friends and family for meals, celebrations, and unforgettable costume dinner parties that became treasured family memories.

One of the greatest expressions of Sue Ellen's love was through the food she made for others. Her famous chocolate chip cookies were loved by her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren alike. Countless meals were shared around the extended dining room table in Sue Ellen's home, where family gathered for good food, laughter, and time together. Her home was always filled with warmth, love, and the joy of being surrounded by those she cherished most.

Sue Ellen lived life with energy, warmth, and spirit. She was intelligent, hardworking, fun-loving, and full of personality. Whether as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, or aunt, she poured her heart into the people she loved.

Sue Ellen had a special gift for gardening and took great pride in making her yard beautiful with flowers, plants, and creative gardening projects. She was a member of the Texarkana Garden Club for many years, generously giving her time and talents to the organization and serving as chair of the Regional Master Gardeners convention.

Sue Ellen loved to travel and experience new places and adventures. Whether it was a memorable cross-country train trip with her granddaughter, Blakelynn, or a trip to Europe with Bob and Marty, she embraced every opportunity to create lasting memories with the people she loved.

She especially loved camping and "glamping," and treasured time spent at the lake with her husband, Bob. She enjoyed boating, relaxing by the water, and simply being near it. A strong swimmer, Sue Ellen always felt at peace around the water.

Sue Ellen loved shopping trips and long chats with her sisters, and above all, cherished being surrounded by her family.

Music brought her joy, comfort, and energy, and she always had a special playlist filled with songs she loved. Sue Ellen shared her love of music with her children from the time they were very young, taking them to concerts and treasuring every moment right alongside them.

Those who knew Sue Ellen can easily picture her surrounded by beautiful music, joyful voices, and the peace and celebration of Heaven.

Sue Ellen had a special way of making others feel welcome, cared for, and important, and her laughter, strength, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Chapelwood Funeral Home, Nash, Texas- Chapel with Rev. Dianne Brown and Rev. Kristin Rice officiating. Burial will be at Chapelwood Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 6-8.