of Little Rock, AR
September 28, 1945 - October 18, 2024
Carolyn Sue Auffert passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024 at the age of 79 years. Sue was born in Nashville, Arkansas on September 28, 1945 to Bernice Jewel Fisher McClain and James Wright McClain. She lived in Nashville and Texarkana, Arkansas during her early childhood. She was baptized on March 30, 1958 at First Methodist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas. She graduated from Edison High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1963 and attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education.
She met her husband, Edward L. Auffert in college, marrying on January 25, 1967 and stayed in Fayetteville to complete her Master of Arts in History. Sue and Eddie had many adventures and lived in several locations while navigating military life. They eventually landed at RAF Lakenheath Air Force Base, United Kingdom, where she became a mother to Jenny and Jackie before returning to the United States and settling in Little Rock, Arkansas.
In 1979, Sue began teaching full-time with the Pulaski County Special School District. She ignited curiosity, encouraged critical thinking and fostered a love for learning as an advanced placement History and English teacher. She taught at Joe T. Robinson High School through 1993 and then at Mills University Studies High School until she retired in 2011.
Sue demonstrated the power of education through her veracious love of books. Reading fueled her imagination and curiosity while expanding her knowledge through immersion into diverse cultures, worlds and experiences. Although unpublished, her love for books was evident in her own writing and journaling. Her love of music, culture and the arts was showcased through her eclectic tastes, world travel and experiences. She was a human rights advocate and expressed her support for building an equitable education system.
Sue's compassionate spirit was demonstrated as a care coordinator of the Chevaux Care Committee and a Community of Hope Chaplain at St. James United Methodist Church. Using her gifts and experiences she assisted others in living with loss; a legacy lives on in each life she touched.
Sue's friendships encompassed all aspects of life and each was special to her. Friendships that extended from her days as a Military spouse, public school educator and neighbor in her community shaped her life and paved a path of love and strength throughout her days. Sue was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend. Enduring patience guided her as she nurtured our potential, believed in our dreams and celebrated our successes.
Sue was preceded in death by her husband, Edward L. Auffert; parents, Bernice J. and James W. McClain and is survived by her daughters, Jennifer J. Auffert (Chris) and Jacqueline J. Smith (Brett); grandchildren, Cameron E. and Connor M. Smith, extended family, friends and Gracie Lu, her beloved Bernedoodle.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. James United Methodist Church, 321 Pleasant Valley Dr., Little Rock, AR 72212, on October 28, 2024 at 10:00 am, followed by a reception with family. We are at peace knowing she is in God's embrace. Matthew 6:33: ''Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.''.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pulaski County Humane Society, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, AR 72210; Pulaski County Salvation Army, 1111 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR and the Project Rescue Foundation P.O. Box 922 Springfield, MO 65801.
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13 Condolence(s)
Davis Hendricks
Friday, November 1, 2024
Surrounding Sue’s family in love and comfort prayers. I was blessed to work with Sue in the Pulaski County Special School District, where she was an amazing educator. Whenever my job at the Central Office became challenging, I would go over to Mills High School and sit in one of Sue’s classes and be reminded of why I got into education. She and the teachers in the Mills University Studies Scholars Program were prototypes of what educators are supposed to be. She left an indelible legacy of love and learning with all who were blessed to know her.
Stacey Spinks
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Loved having Mrs. Auffert as a teacher at Mills High School. She was intelligent and kind, and a wonderful example for her students, including me. Love and prayers to your family.
Ann Robinson and Tom Stanley
Sunday, October 27, 2024
We send our condolences to Sue's family. Our paths crossed through Advanced Placement and later through our joining a great group of friends for Friday Night Glee. It was always fun to talk books, current events, or memories of our respective time in the U.K. She had a wonderful sense of humor frequently accompanied by the most infectious giggle ever.
We will miss her.
Ann and Tom
Margaret Tewksbury
Friday, October 25, 2024
So very sorry for your loss. I wish I'd have lived closer so I could have known my cousin better and enjoyed time with her over the years. Definitely my loss too. She was such an interesting and lovely person. Praying God's peace over you, Jackie and Jenny, and your entire family.
Rachel DePriest Isclaw
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
What a precious family. It was always a pleasure to know her from a child. She was definitely patient with us girls as we stayed the night for Jackie's birthday parties. Love you Jackie and Jenny. My prayers will be with you. I would be there if I could make it.
Esther and Chris George
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
You were a wonderful sister in law and will be missed.
One day we will see you and Eddie again.
Ruthann Strickland
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Sue will be greatly missed in Chevaux. It was a privilege to know her. She has touched many lives throughout her life! The family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Annis and Charles Hill
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Sue will be missed. I would see Sue walking Gracie by
my house early every morning.
Annis. And Charlie
Dorothy Gantz
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
I feel blessed to have had Sue as a colleague and mentor, most especially as a friend. We had such a good time together last week at lunch-so glad we got hugs in before we parted. My prayers are with you all-she loved her family with a passion.
Vickie Stewart
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Jennifer, you and your family are in my every thought and prayer.
You are a spitting image of your beautiful mother.
Lean on God for strength during this trying time.
Steve Wagner
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Linda Sanders
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Sue was a wonderful neighbor and will be missed. I have the family in my thoughts and prayers.
Terri Tackett Harrelson
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Sue was my first and dearest friend. Our mothers were pregnant with us at the same time and we spent our childhood as fast friends. We continued that friendship through our 79th birthdays during the last few weeks. Love you forever, sweet friend.