Sue Ann Smith

Sue Ann Seay Smith, 85, of Cape Girardeau, formerly of Jackson, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

She was born June 9, 1940, in Rector, Arkansas, to E.P. “Pinkney” and Clora Walker Seay. She married the Elmer Lee “Larry” Smith on June 25, 1960, in Rector, Arkansas. They had been married 65 years when Larry passed away March 17, 2026.

Sue Ann earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Arkansas State University in 1961. She taught second grade for one year in Rector Public Schools, then fourth grade in Greenway, Arkansas. After moving to Missouri in 1964, she taught fourth grade in the Kennett School System before continuing her career in the Jackson R2 Public School System, where she spent many years inspiring young students. Sue Ann was a passionate educator who deeply loved “her” students and encouraged each of them to do their very best.

Following retirement, Sue Ann and Larry returned to her roots, purchasing the Seay family farm in Rector, Arkansas, where they enjoyed many years as hobby farmers. In 2014, they moved to Saxony Village at the Lutheran Home campus in Cape Girardeau, later transitioning to Assisted Living in 2025 as their health declined.

Sue Ann and Larry were longtime, faithful members of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson, where she was actively involved in numerous church activities.

She is survived by her siblings, Ralph (Connie) Seay; Paul (Becca) Seay; and Fran (Allen) Lovell; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Reuben O. (Carolyn) Seay and Carl I. (Cheryl) Seay.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 13, 2026, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. The Rev. Jimmie Corbin will conduct the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 13, at the funeral home. A committal service will be held at 2 p.m., at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri.

If considering a memorial contribution, the family suggests the Jackson R-2 School Foundation or the Bloomfield Assistance League c/o Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 17357 Stars and Stripes Way, Bloomfield, MO 63825.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by scrolling to the guestbook beneath Sue Ann’s obituary article at mccombsfuneralhome.com.