Susie Ketchum

Susie Dellaree Stewart Ketchum, born October 13, 1939, passed away January 22, 2026. Sue was raised in St. Stephens where her father was a logger until his death when Sue was 18 years old. She loved her days at Leroy High School, often referring to LHS as the University of Leroy.

Sue met Grady Wayne Ketchum (the preacher's son, who had attended T.V. school in Chicago before returning to Jackson for work) when he came to her house on a repair call. They married on August 1, 1958, at St. Stephens Methodist Church with Grady's father, Dr. Henry Grady Ketchum, officiating the wedding and Sue wearing the dress Grady's mom, Kathryn Ketchum, made for her. Sue's grandfather, Matt Faith, assisted with their wedding by taking a trip to the swamp in a wagon to gather smilax vine and palmetto to decorate the church. Sue reminisced about her first four-course meal at The Ketchum's. She commented on how blessed she was to be welcomed into the family so warmly by his sister's, Rosalyn and Karolyn.

Grady and Sue moved to Monroeville for his job and on March 14, 1961, and welcomed their first child, Teresa. At church the following Mother's Day, Sue was recognized as the newest mother in the congregation. On August 28, 1965, Wayne was born. Sue always said how blessed she was to have both a girl and a boy. Sue was a stay-at-home-mother and always carried her children to and from school each day. She would even bring them lunch occasionally! She was also a homeroom mother at their school and helped with Girl Scouts. Sue was a very dedicated and loving mom who took excellent care in raising her beloved children.

Grady had one of the first boats in Jackson in the 1950's. He and Sue spent time enjoying the river. On Sundays they would go to church, eat lunch, head to the river, and return in time for church again at night. Some holidays were spent at the river also!

Sue always said that she never imagined going anywhere. Family vacations to Sturgis, Kentucky, Opryland, Tannehill, Pioneer Days, Mammoth Cave and the beach were a few. Key West with Wayne and the family were a fun adventure and she even made a trip to New Mexico!

In 1973, the family moved to Jackson and Grady opened his own business - Grady's T.V. Service - where Sue became his assistant/secretary. When business was slow, Sue had a sewing machine she would use to make clothes for Teresa to wear well on into her college days and beyond.

In 1991 Grady began woodworking and Sue helped him as they went to craft shows. Sue worked at the church nursery at First Baptist Church of Jackson for 24 ½ years. She enjoyed spending time with all the children; feeding them snacks of crackers and lemonade. She also worked at Miss Peggy's Day Care for a time.

Sue and Grady also watched children in their home. They would have egg hunts and Santa Claus even came for a visit.

Sue described her life as blessed to be married to Grady for sixty-five years. She said they had a "good, good, good life". She loved her family, the Lord, and Sunday dinners. Sue was thrifty and didn't splurge except when it came to her children and grandchildren.

Sue is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Lou Faith Stewart; sister, Mary Faye Beach; grandson, Nathan Johnson; and beloved husband of 65 years, Grady Wayne Ketchum Sr.

She is survived by her son, Grady Wayne Ketchum Jr (Kim); daughter, Teresa McKinney (Mark); grandchildren, Sarah Long (James), Josh Johnson, and Mathew Ketchum; great grandchildren, Brookley Kate Long, Briley Grace Long, Carmen Raylyn Ketchum, Natalie Sofia Ketchum, and Kohen Sage Ketchum; as well as her special dog, Bobbie.

Pallbearers will be Mathew Ketchum, Josh Johnson, Neal Grimes, Jimmy Stewart, Randy Poole, and Jim Hoven.

Services honoring Sue will be held at Lathan Funeral Home in Jackson on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral service begins at 2:00 p.m. with Bro John Kelly, officiating. Interment will follow in Trinity Memorial Gardens.