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Sue Ray Kemp Box
December 01, 2025
COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Sue Ray Kemp Box, born on October 6, 1937, in Buffalo Valley, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday November 26, 2025, at NHC of Cookeville, Tennessee. She was a cherished member of her community and dedicated her life to her family, her church, and her profession.
Sue enjoyed a remarkable career, retiring after 27 years as secretary at Cookeville First United Methodist Church in 2002. Prior to her role at the church, she imparted knowledge to young minds as a teacher at Park View Elementary, Algood High School, and Putnam County Senior High School for five years. Her education began at Cookeville High School, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Tennessee Tech in 1959.
A beloved figure in the church community, Sue devoted her energy to numerous roles including Sunday School Secretary, Church Council member, Senior Adult Council, and Greeter. She was notably recognized for her service in the Pathfinders Sunday School Class, where she welcomed new members and assisted in counting Sunday school offerings. The opportunities she seized to serve at church brought her immense joy and fulfillment.
Outside of her church roles, Sue was an active participant in various organizations, including her time as president of Tennessee Tech's Women's Club in 1973-1974, and as president of the Cookeville Business and Professional Women's Club twice. Her impact extended to the state level, where she served as a District Director for BPW and later as president of the national organization of the Professional Association of the United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) from 1989 to 1992. These experiences created lasting memories, particularly the annual meetings attended with her husband.
Sue's life was further enriched by her involvement with the local American Red Cross, where she served on the board of directors for several years. Through her actions and dedication, she left a lasting legacy of volunteerism and service.
Sue is survived by her daughter, Laurie (James) Graham of Cleveland, Tennessee; her sister, Donna Flatt of Lebanon, Tennessee; her niece, Angie (Dan) Johnson of Inlet Beach, Florida; her great-niece, Erin (Trip) Blackmon of Atlanta, Georgia; her great-nephew, Ethan Johnson of Dallas, Texas; her brother-in-law, Ronald Box of Five Points, Tennessee; several cousins; and special friends Jo Oakley and Linda McDearman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Benton Raymond and Margaret Amonette Kemp Lynn; her husband, Donald Larry Box, married on September 12, 1958; her son, Larry Ray Box; her grandson, Thomas Austin Graham; her infant brother, James Benton Kemp; and her stepfather, James A. Lynn.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Box will be held at 1 PM, Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home with Rev. Chip Hunter officiating.
Interment will follow at Rock Springs Cemetery with Jeff Senten, Edward Philpot, Jason Rinks, Monte Gaw, Phillip Hall and Patrick Rinks serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers are Bobby and Jean Davis, the Cracker Barrel Ladies and the Cookeville Central High School Class of '55.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 10 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cookeville First United Methodist Church.
Sue will be remembered not only for her contributions to her church and community but for her unwavering love for her family and friends. She touched many lives with her kindness, dedication, and spirit of service. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.
Sue enjoyed a remarkable career, retiring after 27 years as secretary at Cookeville First United Methodist Church in 2002. Prior to her role at the church, she imparted knowledge to young minds as a teacher at Park View Elementary, Algood High School, and Putnam County Senior High School for five years. Her education began at Cookeville High School, culminating in a Bachelor of Science in Business Education from Tennessee Tech in 1959.
A beloved figure in the church community, Sue devoted her energy to numerous roles including Sunday School Secretary, Church Council member, Senior Adult Council, and Greeter. She was notably recognized for her service in the Pathfinders Sunday School Class, where she welcomed new members and assisted in counting Sunday school offerings. The opportunities she seized to serve at church brought her immense joy and fulfillment.
Outside of her church roles, Sue was an active participant in various organizations, including her time as president of Tennessee Tech's Women's Club in 1973-1974, and as president of the Cookeville Business and Professional Women's Club twice. Her impact extended to the state level, where she served as a District Director for BPW and later as president of the national organization of the Professional Association of the United Methodist Church Secretaries (PAUMCS) from 1989 to 1992. These experiences created lasting memories, particularly the annual meetings attended with her husband.
Sue's life was further enriched by her involvement with the local American Red Cross, where she served on the board of directors for several years. Through her actions and dedication, she left a lasting legacy of volunteerism and service.
Sue is survived by her daughter, Laurie (James) Graham of Cleveland, Tennessee; her sister, Donna Flatt of Lebanon, Tennessee; her niece, Angie (Dan) Johnson of Inlet Beach, Florida; her great-niece, Erin (Trip) Blackmon of Atlanta, Georgia; her great-nephew, Ethan Johnson of Dallas, Texas; her brother-in-law, Ronald Box of Five Points, Tennessee; several cousins; and special friends Jo Oakley and Linda McDearman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Benton Raymond and Margaret Amonette Kemp Lynn; her husband, Donald Larry Box, married on September 12, 1958; her son, Larry Ray Box; her grandson, Thomas Austin Graham; her infant brother, James Benton Kemp; and her stepfather, James A. Lynn.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Box will be held at 1 PM, Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home with Rev. Chip Hunter officiating.
Interment will follow at Rock Springs Cemetery with Jeff Senten, Edward Philpot, Jason Rinks, Monte Gaw, Phillip Hall and Patrick Rinks serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers are Bobby and Jean Davis, the Cracker Barrel Ladies and the Cookeville Central High School Class of '55.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 10 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cookeville First United Methodist Church.
Sue will be remembered not only for her contributions to her church and community but for her unwavering love for her family and friends. She touched many lives with her kindness, dedication, and spirit of service. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.
