Susan Grier

I am Paul Grier, husband of Susan Murray Grier, who passed away on February 14, 2020.  Susan was born on October 4, 1948, to Hugh and Margaret Murray. She was preceded in death by both parents.  She is survived by her sister Diane Murray Congdon and companion, Michael Carney of Deland, Florida and cousins Lisa Clark of Nash, Texas, Mike Murray of Benton, Arkansas, Steve Murray of Gainesville, Florida, Todd Murray of Helena-West Helena, Arkansas, Margaret Loep of Georgetown, Texas, Jack Feimster of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Nancy Huitt of El Dorado, Arkansas.

Susan married yours truly on July 20, 1974.  She lived with me and loved me and took care of me for the following forty-five years before her passing last Friday at the Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute while recovering from heart surgery.

Susan graduated from Arkadelphia High School in 1966 with honors.  She continued her education at Ouachita Baptist University where she graduated with a degree in Education, also with honors, including membership in Alpha Chi. After working for several years, Susan earned her degree in Counseling from UCA in Conway, graduating with a 4.00 GPA. She then completed  coursework toward a Doctorate of Education at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, also with a straight 4.00 GPA.

Susan began her career at Helena-West Helena Public Schools, teaching French and English.  She also taught French and English at Arkadelphia Public Schools and Ouachita Public Schools.  She then moved to the Arkansas Department of Education where she served as the Foreign Language Specialist and later as an employee of the Standards Review Division.  She retired in 2006. Susan believed in the importance of participating in professional organizations related to her field of study. She was a very active member of the American Foreign Language Teachers Association where she served in several leadership positions. Because of her interest in philanthropy, she was pursuing a membership in the Philanthropic Educational Organization.

Susan was an avid traveler, going on road trips with me and on river and ocean cruises with her sister, Diane.  She loved all things French, and Paris was her favorite city. Her many other interests included reading and working crossword puzzles.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.

A grave-side service will be held at Dobyville Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2020.   Since the cemetery is in a remote location, attendees of the service should meet at the Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. to follow each other to the cemetery.