Carolyn Sue Elliott Priest, 83, known by many as Mama Sue, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 10, 2025, at home in Speedway.
Sue was born May 15, 1941, in Hornerville, Mo., to Herbert and Goldie Alsup Thomas and was the youngest of three siblings. Moving to Indiana at a young age, she attended Fulton and Claypool elementary schools and Warsaw Community High School.
On March 3, 1961, she married Jimmie W. Elliott, and together they had three children, Tony, Joni and Jimmie. Sue and Jim were married 12 years before his untimely passing in March 1973. Sue married Jerry Priest on Dec. 1, 1973, and they were married for 34 years until his passing in August 2008.
In summer 1961, after her marriage to Jim, Sue was introduced to what would become an extensive part of her life: sprint car racing. Jim and Jerry both raced sprint cars in the Midwest, where Sue spent countless evenings in local grandstands. Later, her son Tony made his way into sprint car racing in the local and national scene, and there was no bigger or more supportive fan than his mother.
Sue had a deep passion for bowling, whether it was during the Friday night couples' league or the competitive Thursday afternoon women's league. She dedicated many years to the sport, traveling to various states to compete in national events alongside a close-knit group of women who shared her enthusiasm. These trips were not solely focused on the competition; they were also cherished opportunities to bond, reconnect, and create lasting memories with friends over laughter and shared experiences. Each tournament brought not only the thrill of bowling but also the joy of friendship and camaraderie that Sue valued deeply.
Sue and Jerry retired in 1993 and began spending their winters at their Fort Myers, Fla., home. Sue loved exploring Florida with her friends, especially attending gospel concerts. Her summers were spent back home in Indiana, where she enjoyed spending time with family and lifelong friends.
Sue loved crocheting throughout her life, and as she got older, her daughters, Suzi and Lynne, introduced her to quilting. They enjoyed weekend quilting trips together, with the annual Shipshewana Quilt Festival being the highlight. One of Sue's most treasured possessions was a unique quilt she made from her son Tony's racing T-shirts, symbolizing her love for him and serving as a lasting family memento.
She is survived by her son, Jimmie (Suzi) Elliott; daughters: Lynne (Sam) Alameda, Joni Elliott and Patti Sue (Mike) Laney; daughter-in-law, Cindy Elliott (Tony); her grandchildren, Cortney and Brandon Elliott, Ryan and Jack Lowe, Lauren Beatty, Christopher Susaraba, Scott and Krista Cochran, Tiara Jarvis, Tristen Weicht and Tanner Elliott. She also had 11 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister, Hettie DeRossett; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Herbert and Goldie; her brother, Jim Thomas; infant sister, Ada June; her second husband, Jerry; her first husband, Jim; and most recently her beloved son Tony.
She will be missed deeply by her family and remembered for her smile, resilience and strength.
Visitation for Carolyn will be held on Thursday, April 17 from 11 a.m. to noon with services following at noon at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, with Pastor Rick Johnson officiating. Burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.