Patricia Sue Armstrong Thompson, 79, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2020. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ab Benton Armstrong and Lerah Thomas Armstrong and her husband John Luttrell Thompson, a long term minister of the Harpeth Hills Church of Christ in Brentwood, TN. She is survived by her only child, J.T. (Susan) Thompson of Nashville; granddaughter, Shelby Armstrong Thompson of New York, NY; and brother, Thomas (Mary Lou) Armstrong of Belle Vista, AR.

Born in Ft. Stockton, TX, Sue took great pride in being a fifth generation Texan. Both of her parents had ancestors who died fighting for freedom for the Republic of Texas at the Alamo.

While in Texas, Sue enjoyed restoration projects including Fort Richardson near Jacksboro, and Fort Belknap near Graham. In 1962, the Thompson family moved into historic Rosetyme in Abilene. This first restoration project received the Texas Gold Medal Historic Structure Award.

In 1976, she and her family moved into Moreland Plantation home in Brentwood, TN. In 1979 found the Thompson family moving from Moreland to Longview Mansion on Caldwell Lane in Nashville where they often entertained. She also worked at Opryland U.S.A. as an official southern greeter where she was known as “Suzabelle” and she enjoyed donning a hoop skirt and telling compelling stories of the South.

Sue Thompson was one of the first people to recognize the need to save Clover Bottom Mansion in Donelson where she served for years on their association mansion board of directors. She later worked to support and promote Belmont Mansion. In 2008, she volunteered with her son J.T. to open the historic Lotz House in Franklin to include antiques and treasures representing the 1820’s – 1860’s American Victorian era. She enjoyed greeting guests, sharing stories and maintaining the antique collection for the museum. One of her greatest pleasures was holding antique appraisal fairs throughout the South with her son J.T. and she was often referred to as “The One-Woman Road Show.” She also worked at the Busy Bee and enjoyed visiting with retailers throughout the South.

Sue always had a positive spirit and saw the best in everyone. She enjoyed color and beauty with a passion which drove her to paint or celebrate nature – in particularly, star gazer lilies and seashells. Sue was an incredible cook who often entertained for hundreds of guests with glorious floral creations to elevate each celebration.

A special thanks to the many frontline workers at Claiborne & Hughes and for making her last days comfortable and peaceful. Always a devoted Christian, Sue now celebrates our Lord by his side. She attended the Crieve Hall Church of Christ. Donations may be made in her name to the Lotz House Foundation in Franklin. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.