Mrs. Sue Hay Garris, age 96, of Clifton Park, New York, passed away on May 29, 2025, at the home of her daughter with whom she has lived for the last 9 years.  Mrs. Garris was born in Bienville, Louisiana on September 10, 1928 to John Langdon Hay and Corrie Dee Rowell Hay.  She was the 8th of 10 children.

Sue grew up and spent her younger years in the Bienville and Weston, Louisiana areas.  After high school, Mrs. Garris attended and graduated from Louisiana Business College in Monroe, Louisiana and began her long career as an administrative assistant, working the most years for the Southwest Well Screen Company in Jonesboro, Louisiana where she lived for most of her adult life.  She and her husband owned and operated Southside Mini Storage in Jonesboro for many years and Fleet Feet Ostrich Farm in Ansley, Louisiana.

Mrs. Garris has the distinction of being the first female coroner in the state of Louisiana.  She ran for and was elected to this office in the early 1970s.  It was her goal to try to improve the office of coroner, its funding, resources, and compensation, in hopes of making the position attractive to licensed physicians.  It was her strong belief that the office of coroner is most appropriately held and served by a physician.  She took a seven month Emergency Medical Technician course to become a registered EMT to enable her to fulfill her duties as coroner.

Upon retirement, she and her husband moved to what they lovingly called "the farm" in Ansley, Louisiana; it was their heaven on earth.  They raised a variety of animals including cows, turkeys, ducks, chickens, quail, ostriches, and Sicilian donkeys; they always had a large vegetable garden as well.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ishmael Smith (I.S.) Garris; her son, Steven Rai Garris; a daughter, Gloria Susan Garris; her grand-daughter, Susan Alaina Garris; her parents; and 3 brothers and 5 sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Jerri Ann Garris Gleason of Clifton Park, New York; daughter-in-law, Raquel O. Garris of Cypress, Texas; grandson Matt Gleason and wife Melissa of Clifton Park, New York; grandson Marc Gleason of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and grandson Ryan Garris of Hockley, Texas.  Additionally, she is survived by 5 great-grandchildren, Jaden and Bree Gleason of Clifton Park, New York; Silas Gleason of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Ethan and Logan Garris of Hockley, Texas.  She is also survived by her brother-in-law C. C. Garris and wife Liz of Farmerville, Louisiana and a host of nieces and nephews.

Sue will always be remembered as the kindest lady who loved her family deeply, for always being there when needed, for her unique sense of humor, for her patience and tolerance, and for her sage advice and wisdom.  She was the best and most gracious mother and grandmother.

In accordance with Sue's wishes, a graveside service only will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM with burial in the Jonesboro Cemetery, Jonesboro, Louisiana.  Co-officiating her service are her niece, Rev. Brenda Bryant Beaver of Arlington, Texas and her nephew, Rev. Gary Garris of Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Pallbearers are Matt Gleason, Jaden Gleason, Ryan Garris, John Austin, Corbett Best, and Richard Townley.  The family respectfully requests that anyone desiring to make a gift in her memory to please consider the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, P.O. Box 4196, Monroe, Louisiana, 71211.  The family wishes to give special thanks to The Community Hospice of Albany, New York.