Susie Fay Wilder

Susie Fay Wilder, of Newark, Arkansas finished her fight and entered her eternal home in heaven on Monday, October 30, 2023.  Susie spent her entire life caring for anyone that was in need, not just family, but for friends, neighbors, strangers, and every animal that she came across that needed a bed, meal, or just a human hug.

She cared for her young husband, during his long illness while living in Michigan. After his death she moved to Arkansas to care for her father until his death.  She raised her daughter alone and devoted her whole life to making sure Angie‘s life was the absolute best.

Anyone that knew Susie could feel the unconditional love she had for all.  One of her highlights of life was becoming a grandma to Allen.  He was truly the highlight of her world and she loved going to baseball games for the first time and never complained during hours of monopoly.  

Susie prayed for everything and everyone, and believed in her Lord to take care of everything. Her goal in life was to go to heaven to be with Jesus.  She read her Bible daily, completely through, and learned entire chapters and verses, to instill His word in her heart in case her memory was ever gone.  She was a true and faithful servant for her Lord.

Susie was born on April 10, 1933, to William T. And Sarah (Davis) Yarber in Parakeet, Arkansas. She lived in the Oil Trough area until moving to Michigan where she met the love of her life, John Thomas Wilder, and they married on November 8, 1958, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where they made their home.  They had one daughter, Angela Sue Wilder.  After John’s death, August 19, 1965, Susie moved to Newark in November 1966 where she spent the remainder of her life.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents, W. T. and Sarah, her loving husband, John, four brothers, George (Minnie) Yarber, Marion Yarber, Marvin (Vernie) Yarber, and Paul (Dellar) Yarber, six sisters, infant Mandy Yarber, Frances Vinson, Daisy (Jack) Hollis, Willie (Conrad) Dawson, Nina (WC) Walley, and Ruby (Goble) Holland.

She is survived by her only daughter, Angela (Angie) Wilder, of Newark; grandson, Vincent Allen (Christi) McDermott, of Newark; sister in-law, Elizabeth (Don) Greene of Pineville, Kentucky; her niece and caregiver, who was a bonus daughter, Ruby Jane Tate, of Pleasant Plains; multiple nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; great great nieces and nephews; her beloved church, First Church in Batesville; and long time friend and physician, Dr. Homer Brooks.

Funeral Service will be Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the First Church, 240 White Drive, Batesville, with Bro. Michael Parmley, Bro. Johnny Abbott, and Bro. Jimmy Brinsfield officiating.

Burial will be in Blue Springs Cemetery, 1159-1211 Long Street, in Newark following the service.

Visitation will be Wednesday, November 1, 2023, beginning at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at First Church.

Pallbearers will be Allen McDermott, Paul Henson, Jr., Don Mason, Jase Hambrick, Jimmy Brinsfield, and Jeff Holland.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Homer Brooks, Turk Cunningham, and Terry Scribner.