With hearts full of gratitude and hope, we announce that Merry Sue Chastain, born June 12, 1945, in Beebe, Arkansas, went home to be with the Lord on December 18, 2025, following a courageous battle with brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme).

Merry Sue lived a life rooted in faith, love, and quiet strength. Though she chose to go by Sue, she remained true to her given name. Merry was not coincidental or accidental, she reflected joy to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a devoted believer who trusted God through every season of life and sought to reflect His love in all she did. Her faith was steady and sincere, woven into her prayers, her words, and the compassionate way she cared for others.

Sue’s faith also shaped one of the most significant chapters of her life. She met her husband, Robert Chastain, through Rev. Tilmon Chastain, Robert’s brother, who was a lifetime pastor in California. During a visit with Sue’s family, Tilmon shared the gospel with her and invited her to church. He first became her brother in Christ and later her brother in law.

Sue became great friends with Robert’s sisters before she dated Robert.

Though she was born in Arkansas, Sue’s father’s military service required the family to move often, and most of her childhood was spent in California. When she had children of her own, Sue longed to provide them with stability and a sense of rootedness. She and Robert chose to settle in Brookland, Arkansas, a small community where their children could attend the same school from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This decision reflected her deep love for her family and her desire to give them consistency, belonging, and home. Sue and Robert worked side by side in real estate for many years. Robert was a contractor, and Sue managed their rental properties, bringing care, diligence, and integrity to all she oversaw. Sue and Robert celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary on December 17, a milestone Sue deeply hoped to reach. True to her determined and faithful spirit, she met that goal, just as she did so many others throughout her life.

A loving mother, Sue poured her heart into her family. She raised Jimmie and Teri with intention and grace, teaching them to follow the Lord and to live with kindness, integrity, and compassion. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where love was felt and faith was lived. Sue also shared a nurturing bond with her younger sister, Diane, offering guidance, encouragement, and loving support throughout her life.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Euell and Lila Jane Baker; her twin sister, Martha Lue; her brother, Jimmie Charles; and her beloved son, Jimmie Jason. She is survived by her husband, Robert Chastain; her sister, Diane Chamberlain; her daughter, Teri Modelevsky; her son in law, Steve Modelevsky; her grandchildren, Megan, Britton, and Clayburne; and her great grandchildren, Spencer, Chloe, Lila, and Charlie, each of whom brought her great joy. She is also survived by extended family members whom she loved dearly.

Sue fought a good fight. She finished her struggle and now rests fully healed in Heaven, in the presence of her Savior. Those who knew her were blessed by her joyful spirit, her encouragement, and her steadfast devotion to both God and family. She leaves behind a legacy of faith that will continue through the lives she touched and the generations she helped shape.

Hathcoat Funeral Services of Brookland are providing funeral arrangements.

Family visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 23, at 9:30 a.m. at Woods Chapel Baptist Church in Brookland.

Visitation for friends and others will follow at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Bro. Rick Hathcoat.

Burial will follow at Pinelog Cemetery in Brookland.Pallbearers will be Britton Wadley, Clayburne Modelevsky, Spencer Cotham, EJ Jones, Tony Eastep, and Todd Roberson. Steve Modelevsky and Pete Eastep will serve as honorary pallbearers.

While we grieve her passing, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and take comfort in knowing that she has finished her race and is now home with the Lord.

Obituary Test List