Suzanne Michelle Gatewood

It is with great sadness that the family of Suzanne Michelle Gatewood of Russellville announce her passing on Friday, April 19, 2019, at the age of 55 at her home.

She was born August 17, 1963 in Russellville, AR to Lyle Hawkins and Diana Brinkman Hawkins.

She was a 1981 graduate of Russellville High School and attended Arkansas Tech University.

She was employed in the grocery business, and later Centennial Bank, West Main Branch.

For the past 15 years, Suzanne fought metastatic breast cancer with extraordinary determination, will, and courage. This strength came from her faith and strong belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Her never-ending smile was ever present even during the darkest times of her illness.

She truly embraced life, and absolutely loved to travel.

Her greatest joys were her three remarkable sons and grandsons.

She loved worshiping God and was a member of St John’s Lutheran Church.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her grandparents, George and Alma (Pierson) Hawkins; Otto and Lavina (Hottinger) Brinkman; uncle and aunt, Darwin and Wanda (Judkins) Hawkins; and step-brother, Jeffrey Hetland.

Suzanne is survived by her husband Richard Gatewood; three sons, Nathaniel (Ashley) Gatewood of Braselton, Georgia; Bryan (Rachel) Gatewood of Conway; and Brandon Gatewood of Marion; Three grandsons, Riley, Jonah and Elijah Gatewood.  Her parents, Diana Brinkman of Russellville; Lyle (Sharon) Hawkins of Dardanelle; and her sister; Cynthia Farzley of Little Rock.  Niece, Klari Farzley of Asheville, North Carolina; Nephews, Benjamin Farzley of Little Rock and Aaron Hetland of Dardanelle, along with many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.  Lifelong friend and “daisy sister” Dana Pirtle-Wewers of Russellville.

The family would like to thank her oncologist, Dr. Issam Makhoul of UAMS.  Dr. Makhoul was not only Suzanne’s doctor, he became a close friend and an unwavering source of hope and encouragement.  Together they inspired one another and never gave up.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 21 from 5-7 p.m. at Russellville Family Funeral, 2757 East Parkway Drive. 

The funeral service will be held Monday, April 22 at 10:00 a.m. at St John’s Lutheran Church, 500 North Cumberland with Pastor Wes Toncre officiating. Pallbearers are Benjamin Farzley, Jay, James, and Jerry Hawkins, Kevin Price and Aaron Hetland. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Park under the direction of Russellville Family Funeral.

At Suzanne’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St John’s Lutheran Church, 500 N. Cumberland, Russellville, AR 72801.

Obituary and on-line guestbook are available at www.russellvillefamilyfuneral.com.