Earlene Blackwell Suthern

Earlene Blackwell Suthern, 80, of Lepanto, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on April 14, 2026. She was born on January 28, 1946, in Leachville, Arkansas, to Raymond and Pauline Morris Blackwell.

Earlene devoted her life to faith, family, and service. She had a deep love for teaching and spent many years shaping young lives at Shawnee and Dyess Elementary Schools. Her passion for education was matched only by her unwavering commitment to her church, where she faithfully served alongside her husband as a pastor’s wife for 45 years.

Earlene was the very definition of a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She poured her heart into her family and found her greatest joy in them. She was especially crazy about her grandchildren, who brought endless happiness to her life and whom she loved beyond measure.

More than anything, Earlene will be remembered for her love and compassion. She was a mother and grandmother not only to her own family, but to so many others whose lives she touched. Her home and her heart were always open. She was a true prayer warrior, lifting up those around her with steadfast faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Lorene Vuncannon and Irene Pilgrim; and her daughter, Tiffany Kimbrough.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her husband of 63 years, Billy Suthern of the home; daughters, Rhonda Suthern of Dyess and Billie Ann (Mark) Burt of Lepanto; son-in-law, Freddy Kimbrough of Everett, Washington; grandchildren, Kerrie Burt, Kaitlyn Burt, Taylor Ashley, Richard (Jammye) Burt, Adam (Morgan) Burt, LeAnna (Fernando) Murillo, Ashleigh (Khalil) Williams, Kamryn Burt, and Caleah Kimbrough; and great-grandchildren, Adalene, Dakota, Raylee, Seth, Avery, Kadence, Ramsey, Lillianna, Isabella, Carlyn, Keaton, and Willie.

She is also survived by her brothers, Murell Blackwell of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and John (Chris) Blackwell Sr. of Finger, Tennessee, along with a host of extended family members and dear friends.

Earlene’s life was a testament to love, faith, and selfless devotion. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched and the family she cherished so deeply.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Delancey Funeral Home, Lepanto.