Sue Thompson Kell, 95, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025.
She was a woman whose kindness touched everyone she met, a steady, gentle presence who lived a life anchored in love, faith, and family.
Born in Swifton, Arkansas, to Kenneth and Lola Mae Mitts Thompson, Sue grew up on a farm where hard work and laughter went hand in hand. Alongside her twin sister, Betty Lou Thompson Riley, and siblings Laverne Thompson Jordan and Cletus Lynn Thompson, she learned resilience early. She loved floating the creeks near home, unbothered by the snakes hanging from tree limbs, even though she never learned to swim; proof of the quiet courage that would define her life.
Sue met the love of her life, Everett Lee “Skeeter” Kell, in school. They married while she was still in high school and went on to share 67 remarkable years together. As Skeeter’s baseball career took them around the country, Sue stood faithfully beside him, always the calm center of their busy, adventurous life. When their traveling days ended, they settled in Kennett, Missouri, where they raised three of their four children before moving to North Little Rock and later Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where they added their fourth child. There, Sue and Skeeter built their business, Kell Athletic Goods, from the ground up, a sporting goods store that reflected their work ethic and teamwork. In 1994, they made Conway their home, where Sue remained surrounded by family and new friends in her later years.
A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Sue poured herself into her family. She is survived by her four children; Roger Lee Kell, Jerry Franklin Kell (Kimmie), Rebecca Ann Bussey (Donald), and Karla Kell Gawlikowski (Robert); ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, plus her brother Cletus Lynn Thompson (Nettie Jane), and several nieces and nephews.
To most, she was “Mama Sue,” a name spoken with both affection and reverence. To all her family, she taught them kindness, humility, and the importance of always taking care of each other, a message she repeated even in her final days.
Sue was a woman of quiet strength and simple grace. A member of the United Methodist Church, she lived her faith through kindness rather than words. She loved golf and was an accomplished player, winning seven club championships, and was a voracious reader who cherished language and made sure her family knew the power of a well-spoken sentence. She loved red roses but preferred they stay on the bush rather than be cut, believing fresh flowers were too wasteful. Every time she heard Amazing Grace, tears filled her eyes—a song that seemed written for her spirit.
Her life was full but never flashy, steady but never dull. Family gatherings and time on the golf course brought her the most joy. Her loyalty was unwavering, her love unconditional, and her presence a blessing to all who knew her.
Sue’s legacy is one of enduring love, humility, and faith. As she said repeatedly in her final days, “I’ve lived a great life,” leaving behind a family forever shaped by her strength and tenderness.
A private family graveside service will be held on November 11, 2025, in Swifton, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hight House (Conway, AR), the American Diabetes Association, or the Swifton Cemetery, 1510 County Rd 404, Swifton, AR 72466.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”— 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
She leaves behind a legacy of love and a family forever blessed by her gentle spirit. May she rest in heavenly peace.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
