Breckenridge, Susie L. 'Mama Sue'

Susie L. “Mama Sue” Breckenridge, 105, of Marion, died Monday, August 1, 2011, at Linn Manor Care Center. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, August 5, at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, located at 6621 C Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, with Pastor Damian Epps presiding. A private family inurnment will be held at a later date. Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family.

Susie was born in Lauderdale, Miss., on May 30, 1906, the daughter of Samuel R. and Josephine (Thompson) Thornton. She spent her childhood years, growing up in Fort Dodge. She married Curtis Breckenridge in Fort Dodge and moved to Chicago, where she spent the majority of her adult life. Sue was an active member of Lilydale Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, and was known best for her kindness, wit and her fierceness. It was known throughout the community that it was more profitable to be a friend than a foe.

Susie is survived by her sons, Bernard (Pearl) Gill and Barnett Gill of Marion; her sister, Clarine (Connie) Marks of Providence, R.I.; five grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husband, Curtis; sister, Grace; and three brothers, Lester, Edward and Samuel Thornton.

Memorials may be directed to MountZion Missionary Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at .