Sue Caperton Nelson

Sue Caperton Nelson, 78, of Fort Smith, passed away March 1, 2014, in Fort Smith. She was born August 27, 1935, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Paul and Marian Bailey Caperton. She married Gene Nelson Jr. of Little Rock and they moved to Fort Smith in 1956. Together they had six children. In 1966 they started Nelson Insurance Agency. In 1980, upon Gene's death, with three children still at home, Sue began working full time at Nelson Insurance Agency where she would remain for 27 years, serving as Vice-President/Secretary/Treasurer. In addition, she was very active in the community with various organizations and events including the Fort Smith Jayceettes, Fort Smith Little Theatre, Miss Fort Smith Pageant, Red Stocking Revue, Fort Smith Gridiron, Junior Civic League, Fort Smith Public Library (delivering books to shut-ins), and many more. After her retirement, she enjoyed cooking, bird watching, crossword puzzles and spending time with her extended family. Nothing gave her more enjoyment than a huge belly laugh that left us all in tears. In her words: "We had fun." Sue is survived by all six children and spouses: Gene Nelson III and Teija of Fort Smith, Jolie Nelson Hickelheim and Mickey of Harrison, Paul Nelson of Barling, Lisa Nelson Bond and Rick of Van Buren, Andrew Nelson of Seattle, Wash. and Rachel Nelson Underwood and Bill of Verdigris, Okla.; eight grandchildren: Gene Nelson IV, Tom Nelson and Sarah Nelson of Fayetteville, Erica Nelson Pennington and Hayes Nelson of Fort Smith, Kristin Underwood Eberly and Ryan of Tulsa, Okla., Kaitlin Underwood of Verdigris, Okla. and Michael Hickelheim of North Little Rock; two great-grandchildren: Ryder Pennington of Fort Smith and Cartyr Nelson of Alma. A private family memorial service will be held with Pastor David Moon presiding. Service and cremation are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. To sign an online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.