Sarah Sue Holmes Dunn

Sarah Sue Holmes Dunn was born in Terrell, Texas on December 5, 1932, and passed away peacefully in Dallas on May 7, 2023. The world has lost a delightful soul. Sue had marriages to R.J Smith, Jr., the father of her children; Jim Adams; and Dr. David Dunn, who preceded her in death as did her parents, Lila McGinty Holmes and Reeve C. Holmes. She graduated a year early from Terrell High School as valedictorian of her senior class in 1949 and studied at Pepperdine, then Abilene Christian College. In the 1950’s she and her husband, R. J. Smith worked as missionaries in Frankfurt, Germany, sponsored by the Church of Christ at Rockwall and Brin in Terrell and continued working in the Christian ministry upon their return. Sue was a lecturer of Bible studies and traveled to Europe at the age of 26 on an extensive speaking tour, conducting her talks in German and Italian. She resumed her college studies several years later at North Texas State University and received a B.A. in Foreign Languages (German/Spanish) in 1968 followed by a Masters in Spanish Literature. Sue worked as an Executive Secretary for Gruy Petroleum Consultants in Dallas from 1980 - 1984, utilizing her language skills as she traveled with company associates to development sites in Mexico. In 1984, she launched her own catering company, “Fresh Ideas,” offering delicious meals to diverse customers, from large group meals to dinners in private homes where she entertained the recipients with jokes, songs, and stories. Her dinners were a popular offering at the Channel 13 annual auction. Sue earned a certificate in ESL education in 1985, and began teaching ESL in several venues in Dallas, including Brookhaven Community College and Presbyterian Hospital. She loved teaching. She created her own course, “Everyday Spanish,” which she taught privately as well as for multiple organizations. She nurtured a close relationship with many of her students and stayed in touch for years. Sue was not only a linguist, but she was also a poet, a storyteller, a pianist-singer-songwriter, and a humorist. From a young age, she loved to write funny, original skits, involving family and friends dressed in elaborate costumes which she created. Her favorite participants were her beloved grandchildren who called her “Oma.” She relished travel, especially international travel with her grandchildren. She married David Dunn in 1990 and moved to North Carolina where she was able to inspire another group of grandchildren admirers. Sue is survived by her sister Caroline Denison of Dallas; daughters and sons-in-law, Dr. Molly Frank and Dr. Michael Frank of Denver and Cassie Crosby and Dr. Doug Crosby of Dallas; stepsons and their spouses, Dusty Dunn and Laura Woods of Raleigh, N.C. and Peter Dunn and Elizabeth Dunn of Apex, N.C.; grandchildren Chris and Brett Bichler and Meghan, Michelle and Scott Frank; step-grandchildren Fiona, Connor and Gretchen Dunn; great- grandchildren Brice and Blair Bichler; nieces Kelly Harrell and Dr. Cambria Reinsborough of Austin, Texas. If desired, memorials may be made to the Church of Christ, 407 N. Rockwall, Terrell, Texas 75160, or to Our Little Roses, PO Box 530947, Miami, FL 33153-0947, or to the Habitat Interfaith Alliance, PO Box 370911, Denver, CO 80237-0911.

A memorial service will be held on June 10, 2023, at 11 AM at the Rockwall and Brin Church of Christ, 407 N. Rockwall, Terrell, Texas 75160.