Hannah Council

Sue Gates Council
Proverbs 31:10: Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

Hannah Sue Gates Council, 86, of Paducah, Ky., heard the voice of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ summon her to her heavenly home October 22, 2013, at 3:20 p.m.

Mrs. Council, a native of Ballard County, was the daughter of Jewell and Mary Reesor Gates. She and her husband of 66 years, the Rev. Harold Council, founded Southland Baptist Temple where they ministered together starting in 1953. "Mamaw Sue" was vital to the ministry, serving as Nursery director, supporting the nursing home ministry, singing in the choir, and visiting area hospitals and those in need with her husband. She also founded and directed the Southland Day Care starting in 1972.

Mrs. Council is survived by her three children, Topper Council (Glorious), Nat Council (Patti) of Arizona, and Sherri Jeffords (David). She is also survived by one sister, Robbie Griffin (Bill); six grandchildren, Thad Council (Amy), Missy Council of Nashville, Jarrod Council (Jennifer) of Arizona, MaSherra Athenas (Martin), Brea Freeman (Bryan), and Kayla Downs of Arizona. Mamaw Sue had 7 great-grandchildren: Isaac, Chelsey, Conner, Braxton, Brennan, Brady, and MaKinna.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; two brothers, Rev. Sammy Gates (Saraland, Ala.) and Bobby Gates, and a sister, Jeanelle (Noonie) Thompson.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2013, at Southland Baptist Temple with Rev. Topper Council, Rev. Jimmy Franks, and Rev. Wes Conner officiating.

Visitation will be at the church from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Interment will be a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the memorial chapel at Southland Ranch, c/o Southland Baptist Temple, 927 Yarbro Lane, Paducah, KY 42003.

Read more: The Paducah Sun - Sue Gates Council