Jimmie Sue Walters

Mrs. Jimmie “Sue” Gaines Walters, 76, passed away due to complications from the COVID virus on January 27, 2021, in Chattanooga, TN.

Born in Crossville, AL on April 7, 1944, to James “Jim” Bedford and Allie Perry Chumley Gaines, Sue was the youngest of five children and her parents’ only daughter. A head cheerleader and homecoming attendant, she graduated from Crossville High School and grew into a woman known for her kindness, hospitality, strength and hard work. Sue started her professional career sewing at the H.D. Lee plant. After the loss of her first daughter, Kimberley Leanne, she became a homemaker and poultry farmer for many decades before enjoying her retirement. Sue was active with the ALFA women’s committee, winning numerous cooking contests and many other awards. She served two terms as President for the Marshall County Master Gardeners and loved volunteering with projects to educate the community. Sue was a staunch advocate for the elderly working with the Alabama Silver-Haired Legislature to testify before the Alabama State House. She was a seasoned traveler and a skilled photographer. She was a selfless stalwart of the New Home community, her church, and her original hometown of Crossville.

Sue’s memory lives on through her loved ones who recall the joy she experienced while road tripping across the country, hiking mountain trails and city streets, riding trains and cruise ships, and exploring old European cathedrals and museums.  She had great pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, and lovingly prepared wonderfully crafted meals, which regularly included many dishes to accommodate the preferences of each child or grandchild seated at her expertly decorated table. She relished in serving others whether that meant holding a fussy baby while their parents ate, caring for stray animals on her farm, assisting the elderly, or going out of her way to welcome a newcomer in her community. She was a devoted wife, an extraordinary mother, grandmother, and friend.

Sue is survived by her Husband  of 35 plus years Roger Walters; children Brad Crosson (Deanna) and Lacey Crosson-Cornelius (Chris);  chosen children Jody Sauls (Tim), John Walters (Tammy), Jeff Walters (Terri), and Julia Walters Smith; grandchildren Zac (Callen) Sauls, Katie(Jordan) King, Jessica (Matt) Eldridge, Rachel (Hal) Wright, Sarah Grace Walters, Ingram Crosson, Rebekah Sauls, Gaines Crosson, Noel (Lauren) Turner, Tyler Thomas, Kimberly Cornelius and Ann-Bradlee Cornelius; and great-grandchildren Lola King, Amelia Sauls, Sutton Turner and Ellie-Kate Sauls.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jim and Allie Gaines; daughter Kimberley Leanne Crosson; and brothers John Gaines, James Gaines, Ray Gaines and Joe Gaines.

Due to the current COVID pandemic and the family’s concern for everyone’s health, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. A private graveside service will be held for children and grandchildren at the Mt. Flat Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to either First Baptist Church of Boaz Building Fund – Kitchen Improvements (https://fbcboaz.org/give/ - please select Building Fund and enter Sue Walters Kitchen Improvements in the comment section); or to the National Parks Foundation (http://give.nationalparks.org/goto/Sue_Walters).