Marian Sue Batten, 86, a Zuni, Virginia resident, passed away on October 17, 2024 in Newport News. She was born in Meadow, North Carolina, the daughter of the late Leacy Morgan Parker and Pharaoh F. Parker.
Sue was a homemaker, mother, and devoted Christian woman. A member of Tucker Swamp Baptist Church, she sang in the choir and was quick to volunteer in a supportive capacity. She and her late husband Bill served others together on annual mission trips to Bland County, Virginia for at least 20 years. As a widow she traveled to Peru on yet another mission trip, where she rocked and helped care for babies in an orphanage. Sue loved the Lord, her country home, her family and friends, her pets, and bird watching.
Sue could be a firecracker when she set her mind to it. Many thanks are extended to the doctors, nurses, and staff at James River Convalescent Center, who cared for her with kindness, regardless of her disposition from day to day. We are also grateful for hospice workers who faithfully visited her, monitoring her health, offering encouragement when she struggled, and playing music to bring her comfort near the end.
Mrs. Batten is survived by her daughter, Tammy Batten Carpenter of Newport News; and four grandchildren: Mandy Carpenter of Tennessee; Benjamin Carpenter of New York; Zachariah Batten Pritt, and LeAnna M. Pritt of Hampton. She was the mother of the late William Brock Batten and Yancy Scott Batten. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Ray Batten; five brothers, and two sisters.
Cremation Society of Virginia is handling arrangements. A memorial service will be scheduled later this year in Zuni, Virginia.