Sue Lynn Langley

Sue Lynn Gardner Langley, of Centerville, Texas, was born on September 7, 1948, in Hope, Arkansas. She passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, in Madisonville, Texas.

As a young girl, Sue spent her summers with her sisters at their grandparents’ ranch in New Summerfield. Along with their cousins, they would sit under the shade trees, cutting out paper dolls from the Sears and Roebuck catalog. They spent countless joyful hours dressing those dolls and making memories. Sue would later describe it as "the good old days."

Sue attended Jacksonville High School, where she played the saxophone and bassoon, twirled in the band, and was active in the National Honor Society. She graduated in 1966, and went on to attend Jacksonville Baptist College. It was there she met the love of her life, Joe Langley. They married on June 1, 1968, and shared fifty-seven wonderful years together.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Sam Houston State University in 1970, and began her career at Centerville ISD, where she devoted over thirty years to teaching. Sue taught a wide range of grades—early childhood, first, second, third, seventh, and eighth—and she loved each student deeply. Every school year, she believed God gave her one special child who became her personal "project." She worked tirelessly to meet the needs of every student, especially those who stole her heart.

When Sue moved to Centerville, she began attending church with the Langley family. At the time, the church had no piano player, so her mother-in-law, Alice Langley, arranged for Sue to take piano lessons. This considerate gesture paved the way for what would become a remarkable and lasting contribution to the church's services. Sue went on to play piano in church alongside Joe, who led the singing. For over half a century, Sue and Joe formed an integral part of the church's worship, their consistent service enriching the spiritual experience of all who gathered.

Education was a core value in Sue’s life. She earned her master’s degree from Sam Houston in 1978, balancing graduate school with raising a young family and serving her community. Whether attending ball games across Texas, playing the piano at church, or managing homework, she led by example, instilling in her family the importance of perseverance. Her dedication paid off—each of her children went on to earn a doctorate in their respective fields.

After retirement, Sue became known far and wide for her legendary pear cake. What began as a simple gesture to welcome hunters soon evolved into a beloved tradition at Langley Ranch, becoming a highlight of the hunting season.

Above all, Sue cherished her role as “Mama Sue” to her grandchildren. Her greatest joy came from their visits—hearing about their lives over an oatmeal cream pie, teaching them to bake, sew, make jewelry, and, most importantly, guiding them in their faith. She was a selfless, dependable, and deeply loving grandmother who built a unique and lasting bond with each of her grandchildren.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, James and Joyce Gardner, and her in-laws, Howard and Alice Langley. She is survived by her beloved husband, Joe; her children, Russell Langley, Judd Langley, and Cara Dudley and her husband, Randy Dudley, all of Centerville; her treasured grandchildren, Landry, Caraline, Nathan, Quannah, and Ross; brother-in-law, Ronnie Langley, sisters, Gayle Gardner and Peggy Grahn, numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives; and special friends, Ron and Janice Williams.

The family would like to thank the staff of Madisonville St. Joseph, Madisonville Care Center, and Traditions Hospice for their loving care of Mama Sue in her final days. The family would also like to thank our community for the cards & outpouring of love these past few months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to New Salem Cemetery.

A funeral service honoring Sue's life will be held 10 A.M., Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas. Pastors Lynn Stroud and James Rossier will officiate the service.  Interment will follow in New Salem Cemetery.  A time of visitation will take place from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M., Friday, June 20, 2025, also at the funeral home.

Pallbearers:  Nathan Langley, Ross Langley, Ronnie Langley, Quannah Dudley, Randy Dudley, Caleb Rivenbark, Jim Bob Gunnels, Cody Tuxen

Honorary Pallbearers:  James Dunn, Johnny Knight, Wendel Ellis, Mike McKinney, Scotty King, Ron Williams, Robert Campbell, Daniel Largent, Cowboy Stubblefield, Harvey Wood, Kirby Nichols, Grady Wakefield, Mike Wilson, Greg Wilson, Charlie Carrigan, Centerville Quilt Bee Members

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters Funeral Home, Centerville, Texas.