Sue Miller Barefield

OZARK…Mrs. Sue Miller Barefield, a resident of Ozark, died late Monday evening, February 9, 2026, in Dale Medical Center. She was 79.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, February 13, 2026, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Paul Woodham officiating. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Memory Gardens. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Barefield, the daughter of the late Dewey Howard Miller and Mable Corene Rogers Miller, was a proud native and lifelong resident of Ozark. She grew up with deep roots in her community and carried that sense of home with her everywhere she went. In her earlier years, she worked with Judy Bond, White Knight, and Van Heusen in Ozark, and later with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, where she traveled from store to store arranging displays. No matter where she worked, people remembered her for her quick smile, her sense of humor, and the way she could strike up a conversation with anyone.

She loved the simple joys of life — especially being at the beach, feeling the sun on her face, and listening to her favorite country music. Conway Twitty was her all‑time favorite, and if one of his songs came on, you could count on her to sing along. She enjoyed shopping, laughing, and being the life of the party. She had a playful streak too, and she never minded driving a little faster than she probably should have.

More than anything, she loved her family. Spending time with them was her greatest joy. Whether she was cooking a meal, sharing stories, or just sitting together, she made everyone feel loved and welcomed. She was always there for her children, nieces, and nephews — cheering them on at ball games, pageants, school events, and anything else that mattered to them. They never had to wonder if she would show up; she was their biggest supporter, their steady presence, and their loudest cheerleader.

Her warmth, her laughter, and her unwavering love for her family will be remembered for years to come. She lived her life with a full heart, and she leaves behind memories that will continue to bring comfort and smiles to those who loved her. She was preceded in death by her brother, Eugene Miller.

Surviving relatives include her husband of sixty-two years, Gene N. Barefield, Ozark; two daughters, Lori Rena Gobble, Ozark and Kristi Gatlin (Jamie), Level Plains; two sisters, Karen Johnson (Rodney) and Sherri Smith, all of Skipperville; three grandchildren, Courtney Gobble, Josh Gobble (Kathryn), and Jordan Despres (Katie); two great-grandchildren, Jett Gobble and Jaxson Gobble; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Serving as active pallbearers will be Lloyd Jackson, Lee Peters, Jaxon Whitehead, Hunter Whitehead, Ricky Whitehead, and Josh Smith.