On April 11, 1941, Charlie and Norvella Oliphant became the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl. They named her Sudene Oliphant. She was their pride and joy and the first of eight children. Growing up, the family affectionately called her “Sue.” She united with the church family at True Vine Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. She loved going to Sunday School and attending worship services, where she built a strong foundation in the Christian faith.

Sue was a very smart and determined individual who developed a passion for education at an early age. She attended school in the Huntsville Independent School District and graduated at the top of her class in 1958 from Sam Houston High School. Charlie and Norvella supported her decision to attend Prairie View A&M University, which was a sacrifice for them; however, she made them proud with her determination in earning her bachelor’s degrees in business administration and education. During her educational journey, Sue was known as “the smartest student in the Phelps Community.” Her exuberance for education and being one of the first to complete a college degree became an inspiration to the Oliphant family as well as the surrounding community.Sue supported her siblings, family members, and friends any time an opportunity presented itself. She also never missed an opportunity to “grammatically” correct any sibling or their children.

After graduation, Sue returned to Huntsville, Texas, and worked as a secretary at her former high school, Sam Houston High School.She eventually married Melvin T. Pinkard, her sweetheart from college, in 1968 and moved to Dallas, Texas. In Dallas, Sue continued her journey in the educational arena, teaching at Dallas ISD’s Skyline High School until her retirement in 2002. After her retirement, she continued to teach in night school and summer school programs throughout Dallas ISD for several years, which contributed to her over 35-year career in education. Sue spent many hours, days, and years educating and caring for other children when she discovered that she would soon become a parent herself. In 1975, Sue and her husband, Melvin T. Pinkard Sr., became the proud parents of their son, Melvin T. Pinkard Jr.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Norvella Oliphant; one sister, Rosa V. Crawford; and three brothers, Thomas E. Oliphant, Tobe H. Oliphant, and L.A. Oliphant.She leaves behind to cherish her memory: her son, Melvin T. Pinkard Jr., his wife, Lattisha Pinkard; and her grandson, Micah Pinkard, who she adored. She also leaves three siblings: Joe Nell Ross, Naomi Washington, and Jerry Oliphant; and a special sister-in-law, Onita J. Oliphant. Also mourning her passing are the descendants of the Oliphant family, the Richardson family, coworkers, and friends.

Sue has moved out of our presence but never from our hearts. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.