Susan Maddox, 81, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away peacefully at her home on January 10, 2026. She was born at St Vincent’s in Little Rock to Josephine (Ehemann) and Jay Payne.
A beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend, Susan is survived by sisters Sandra Kahler, Sylvia Payne, daughters Stephanie (Greg) Roberts, Stacie Smith, five grandsons, a granddaughter, a great granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews. She joins her parents (Jay and Josephine Payne) and her son-in-law (Robert Beckett) in rest.
She was a graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s and lived in Little Rock until she moved to Texas as a young newlywed. In Dallas she made her mark. She discovered the world of advertising and by her early thirties, owned her own successful agency. In 1985, she returned to Little Rock to be closer to family and opened a small strategic marketing company, which she ran for nearly 20 years. In 2002, she “retired” turning her knack for gracious hospitality into a full-time endeavor by opening Rosemont Bed and Breakfast, which continues to welcome guests to this day.
Susan was a trail blazer, a risk taker, a spinner of yarns, and a cheater at cards. She was her family’s go-to for jump starting a new life plan and could be counted on for a needed ego boost. Her ability to turn adversity into opportunity was contagious, and she could make you feel like you could take on the world just as she had done time and time again. She lived a life of abundance and generosity. But most of all, Susan was fun! Quotable. Unflappable. Tenacious. And yeah, she had great hair.
Those who would like to pay their respects are welcome to join us for a mass at 2pm on Friday, January 16th at The Cathedral of St Andrew, 617 S Louisiana St, Little Rock, AR. There will also be a reception following at 3:30pm, at Susan’s residence and business, Rosemont Inn and Cottages,515 W 15th St, Little Rock, AR. Flowers are welcomed, donations in memorial are encouraged to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
Those of us that knew Susan best knew her to be an incredible hostess. In this time of loneliness and isolation, the family would like to encourage loved ones to host a dinner party, potluck, or gathering in her memory. We can think of no better way to honor this firecracker of a woman than to set a table, join in conversation, and find joy and connection together.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com