Sue Field Hood, known affectionately as “Little Mama” by her family and friends, passed away at her home on April 21, 2017 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on January 15, 1923 in Fluker, Louisiana.
Little Mama is survived by her two children: Bonnie Sue Hood Barrilleaux and husband, James; Arthur Preston Hood and wife, Ann. She was the cherished grandmother of: Dudley Ross Downing and wife, Vonda; Blair Downing Edwards and husband, Daniel; Arthur “Rusty” Barrilleaux and wife, Lundon; Melinda Barrilleaux Giardina and husband, Gerald; Taylor Preston Hood and wife, Laurie; Ashley Hood Carey and husband, Bobby; 17 great-grandchildren, Brandi Blair (Smith) Mitchell and her husband Dane, Ryan Downing and his wife Jacy, Andrew Giardina, Joshua Ross Byars and his wife Tiffany, Brooke Downing, Danny Edwards, Zachary Edwards, Marlie Giardina, Jude Giardina, Carter Carey, Allie Edwards, Grant Carey, Cohen Barrilleaux, Joe Carey, Crockett Hood, Garner Hood, and Baylor Barrilleaux; 3 great-great-grandchildren, Kylie Blair Mitchell, Rylee Cole Downing, Tristan Zane Edwards; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Preston Field; mother, Louise Kent Field; brothers, Thornwell Preston Field and Richard Kent Field.
Little Mama passionately served her church, loved her family and gave back to her community. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hammond, where she served as an elder and chairman of the women’s circle. Sue served on many different boards in her lifetime, including: The Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation, The Rosenblum Mental Health Board (28 years), The Columbia Theatre and “Fanfare” Boards, The Hammond Cultural Foundation Board, The Tangipahoa Parish Crisis Phone Board, the Southeastern Faculty Guild, and the Southeastern Louisiana University Development Foundation. She was also a volunteer in Westpark Hospital’s gift shop.
Sue was a theatre enthusiast and loved supporting the arts. She attended Southeastern Louisiana University as a communication major and appeared in several theatrical productions including “Ludie” at the age of 60.
In recognition of her service to the Hammond community she was awarded Woman In Motion in 1988, and received the honor of Woman of the Year in 1991.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home in Hammond, La. visitation will continue on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church in Hammond from 9:00 am until the service at 11:00 am. Interment will be in Rose Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Richard Murphy Hospice Foundation or First Presbyterian Church in Hammond, La.
The family would like to thank Harvis Starkey, Karma Goldberg, Merle Hilbun, Vera Norwood, and her God-sent hospice nurse, Ryan Rivers. Also, Louisiana Hospice and Palliative Care for the excellent and invaluable care they gave Little Mama.
Pallbearers will be Dudley Downing, Taylor Hood, Bobby Carey, Rusty Barrilleaux, Daniel Edwards, and Gerald Giardina.
An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.
