Carolyn Sue Felkner, beloved mother, grandmother, sister and treasured friend, peacefully entered the arms of her Savior on April 3, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on December 19, 1933, in Springfield, Missouri, Sue was the first daughter of Silvanous ‘Silvie’ and Jesse Virginia (Stephenson) Martin.
Sue met her future husband, Fred M. Felkner, at their church’s hayride when Sue was 14. For Fred, it was love at first sight and on June 14, 1952, they were united in marriage at the Glad Tidings Assembly of God Church, officiated by Reverend Jake Shaffer. Their love story was marked by devotion and resilience, particularly during Fred’s military service, which began just a year after their wedding. They moved to Norfolk, VA while Fred was stationed there. When Fred was deployed for the Korean War, Sue courageously returned to her parents’ home until they were reunited. They resided in Kansas City for a short while, however, made their home in Clinton, Missouri for 38 years. After retirement, they decided to move back to their hometown of Springfield, MO in 1993.
Sue’s greatest joy came from raising her three children: her son, David Felkner, and her daughters, Pam Robbins and Becky McAtee. Sue taught by example to her children and poured her heart into her church and community. Sue served as a Sunday school teacher, children’s church leader, and church secretary and treasurer. In their community in Clinton, she was involved in 4-H as a project leader and community leader of Kountry Kousins 4-H. She was also involved in the VFW as various auxiliary officers.
Sue’s greatest passion was defending the vulnerable. She sewed patchwork quilts in support of missionaries in the field. She was a women’s missions leader in the Assemblies of God church. Fred and Sue went to Mexico and New Mexico to help the local orphanages. They also opened their home to numerous foster children and foreign exchange students through 4-H.
The main thing she instilled in her family was the willingness to serve others. Her faith in God was a cornerstone of her life, sustaining her through various challenges. Her commitment to her faith and community reflected her generous spirit and unwavering devotion.
In her leisure time, Sue found joy in sewing, gardening, crafts, camping, fishing, and music. She played piano and passed on her passion for music to her children and grandchildren. She spent countless hours of her life reading the Bible and Christian literature. Once she was unable to continue reading, the uplifting messages of the Christian Channel provided her with comfort and inspiration.
Sue Felkner will be lovingly remembered for her strength, compassion, and unyielding faith. She leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Sue is survived by her three children and their spouses, David and Cindy Felkner, Pam and Robert Robbins, and Becky McAtee; six grandchildren, Robin Beach, Whitney Felkner, Tyler Felkner, Jonathan McAtee, Karissa Kauflin, and Josh McAtee; three great-grandchildren, a sister, Pat Maples, and brother, Robert Martin. Fred passed away in 2019. They were married for 66 years and they will finally be reunited again. She was also met in heaven by her parents, Silvie and Viginia Martin, and son-in-law Darin McAtee.
Friends and family are invited to gather to celebrate Sue’s life and to share in the cherished memories she leaves behind on Monday, April 7, 2025, beginning at 10:00am in Greenlawn Funeral Home, North. A visitation will be held an hour before the service from 9:00-10:00am also in the funeral home. Sue will be laid to rest at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, MO.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fair Grove Assembly of God Church in Fair Grove, Missouri contributing to the continuation of Sue’s mission of faith and service in her community.
