Martha Jo Brogdon Sullivan

Martha Jo Brogdon Sullivan, 79, died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025. Born in Blytheville, she grew up on her family farm and enjoyed spending her summers at Lake Norfork. She graduated from Blytheville High School in 1963 where she was head majorette and continued her education at Arkansas State University. She married Samuel William “Bill” Sullivan in November 1964 and they recently celebrated their 60th anniversary. Known for having a smile on her face and greeting everyone with a hug and kind words, Martha Jo never complained throughout her long illness and her faith never wavered. A longtime member of First Baptist Church, she was a preschool Sunday School teacher for many years and a member of the women's missionary union. She was a member of Chapter N PEO.

She was dedicated to her family and attended sporting events, academic celebrations, and other activities cheering on her children and then her grandchildren until she was no longer able to go. She loved spending time with family and could often be seen playing games, exploring nature, and having adventures with them all. She also was the mom of the neighborhood welcoming all children into her home with snacks and a smile.

She loved to travel and took many trips abroad with Bill. They also traveled throughout the United States having visited all but five states to see the country by exploring museums, monuments, national parks, and many backroads and small towns. She loved all God's creatures and had a soft spot in her heart for animals of all kinds. She especially loved the many dogs who were her companions over the years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Lester Brogdon and Vaneta Helen Brogdon.

She is survived by her husband, Samuel William “Bill” Sullivan; her children, Sally Cooke (David), Tracy Coppedge (Oliver), and Charlie Sullivan (Joanne); one sister, Gail Brogdon Jowers; eight grandchildren, Joshua Cooke, Courtney Baker (Jonathan), Caitlin Krupin (Nathan), Molly McCammon (Anthony), Olivia Myers, Emily Sullivan, Will Sullivan, and Wyatt Sullivan; and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, at First Baptist Church.

Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with the REv. Jim Clark and Randy Jumper officiating.

The family request memorials be made in her honor to First Baptist Church or Blytheville Humane Society.

Cobb Funeral Home in Blytheville is in charge of arrangements.