Susan Machelle Goodin Whiteaker

Susan Machelle Goodin Whiteaker, 56, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 5, 2024 after battling cancer for three months. She was born January 6, 1968, at the old Rogers Hospital in Searcy, Arkansas, the daughter of Phillip and Marcheta Knight Goodin. She was the fifth-generation daughter of a fifth-generation daughter. She was welcomed by a host of grandparents: paternal grand parents, Gilbert and Goldie (Norton) Goodin; maternal grandparents, George and Wanda (Collins) Knight; maternal great grandparents, Linzie and Bessie (Moody) Collins and Q’Belle (Wingo) Knight and paternal great-grandfather, Dwight Norton; maternal great great grandparents, Robert and Ada(Williams) Collins; great great maternal grandmother, Faye ( Osmon) Moody. She was honored by the deep roots and love of her grandparents and a legacy that would serve her well in life.

Susan was a 1986 honor graduate of Bald Knob High School who served as co-editor of the school yearbook. She attended Arkansas State University and received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She worked as a professional bookkeeper, accountant, and tax preparer in her career serving both profit and non-profit companies. She was known for her outstanding work ethic, integrity, and positive relationships with peer professionals. 

Susan was a life-long Baptist who was baptized at the age of 11 into the Liberty Valley Missionary Baptist Church in the farm community in which she was raised located outside of Bald Knob, Arkansas.

Her passion was camping, girls night out with her daughters, anything with John, and being “Grammie “ to her grandchildren. 

She is survived by her loving husband, John Whiteaker of Searcy; her daughter, Katie (Eric) Holmes of Searcy, her daughter, Kelsey (Michael) Gunn of Imboden, Ar. ; two grandchildren, Talon Gunn and Lane Gunn; bonus grandchildren, Ethan and Logan Holmes, and Michael Jr., Mason, and Maddox Gunn; her parents, Phillip and Marcheta (Knight) Goodin; a brother, Phillip Barth Goodin; a great grandmother, Wanda Knight, and god-child, Haley Purvis who captured Susan and John’s heart. 

She was preceded in death by a brother, Bradley Rice Goodin. She leaves cherished friends, numerous cousins, and beloved extended family. A special recognition to Terri Pate, Rachelle Wyatt, and Debbie Elgin for their support to Susan and the family during Susan’s illness. Heartfelt thanks to CEO, Ladonna Johnston at Unity Hospital who supported clinical staff and provided advocacy for Susan in a critical care needs situation.

A funeral service celebrating Susan’s life will be held at Searcy Mc Euen Funeral Home on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. with visitation 1 hour prior beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Shady Grove Cemetery, Bald Knob, Arkansas. www.searcymceuenfuneralhome.com.