Sue A. Maulden

Sylvia Sue Atkinson Maulden died peacefully on December 10, 2025 at the age of 85. She will be remembered for her faith, humor, strength, and love. 

Sue was born in Monticello, Arkansas on July 26, 1940 to Edward Atkinson and Lela Mae Chavis. She attended Little Rock Central High School. 

On April 6, 1956, she married Jerry Maulden, the love of her life. Together, they had four children, whom Sue raised and cared for dearly as Jerry worked through night school, earned his college degree, and embarked on his career as a CPA. Sue and Jerry were true partners in life for their 69 years of marriage. Together, they built a life and family that brought them profound joy.

Throughout his career, Jerry constantly found opportunities to give love and credit to his wife. Upon accepting the Horatio Alger Award in 1987, he dedicated his speech to Sue, saying, “[There is] a person whose name does not appear on this award but who is the one who truly deserves this recognition—my wife Sue. Without her love, her trust, her faith, and her caring, I know I would not be standing here tonight.” 

Coming to the end of the speech, he said, “In these days of instant gratification when so many treat marriage so lightly, I want to testify that marriage and its partnership can be a man and woman’s highest achievement, and that’s why I dedicate this award to my partner for life and my closest and dearest friend, Sue.” 

Sue and Jerry were longtime members of the First Baptist Church of Little Rock. Their unwavering faith in Christ guided their lives. In addition to serving as a volunteer for Vacation Bible School each summer, Sue was a loyal member of her Sunday School community, showing support for her dear friends by visiting them when they could no longer attend on Sundays.

Sue could never pass up opportunities to care for the flowers in her garden, eat a slice of German Chocolate Cake, or spend time with her ever-growing family. By her grandchildren, she was known as “Grandmom” and “Grandmommy”— and most of all, “Grandmother.”

In retirement, Sue and Jerry traveled the world together, often including their children and grandchildren on their adventures. Together, they were affectionately called “G&G.” Sue and Jerry generously took the entire family on unforgettable vacations to New York City in 2015 and Europe in 2018. 

Sue was known by all for her warmth, generosity, and hospitality. When three students (Mihee, Hunter, and JJ) from South Korea needed a place to live to continue their studies in the United States, she gladly accepted. They became beloved members of the Maulden family and kept in touch with Sue for the rest of her life. 

Sue was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Jerry, their daughter, Kelly Anne, her father and mother, Edward and Lela, and her siblings Sonny, Jean, Jane, and Nadine. Sue is survived by her children Karen Oliver (Ty), Michael Maulden (Thu), and Kristin Alexander (Peter); grandchildren Lauren Woody (Tim), Sarah Maulden, Robert Jerry Turner (Tina), Sean Alexander (Brooke), Thomas Alexander (Lillian Hardaway), Charlotte Alexander (Michael Miller), and Olivia Alexander; and great grandchildren Payne, Layton, and Beau Green, Jack and Jude McKnight, Logan and London Woody, Dawson Brown, and Noah Brady. 

A private funeral service will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the First Baptist Church, 62 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock, AR 72212 and Arkansas Baptist Homes for Children, 150 Hyatt Court, Monticello, AR 71655.

Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.