Sue (Smith) Burns

           Martha Sue Burns, who was always known as Sue, died on May 1, 2023.  She was born on April 15, 1939, in Fort Worth, Texas.  Her parents were Edward (Buster) Smith and Vastie (Babe) Smith. 

            Sue was a graduate of Poly High School in Fort Worth.  She met her husband Robert (Pep) Pepperdine while he was stationed at Carswell AFB.  While Pep was in the Air Force, they lived in various locations, including Shreveport, Louisiana, and Dayton, Ohio.  They then made their home in Fort Worth and later, Willow Park.  Three children were born to this marriage, Karen, Pam and Bobby.

            Sue had a work ethic that was unparalleled.  She worked in banking at the Bank of Commerce and for many years had a government job with the Corps of Engineers.  During that time, she almost always had a second job, many times at a jewelry store to support her love of jewelry.  She was a very hands-on mom, helping her kids with their homework and enjoyed going to Six Flags or haunted houses as much as the kids did.  She was known as an amazing cook and was always cooking up something tasty in her kitchen.  She was also a huge animal lover, especially for pug dogs, of which she raised many during her lifetime.  Sue truly enjoyed her grandchildren, spending as much time with them as possible.

            In 1993 she moved to Alpine, Texas, to work for the Border Patrol.  She married Richard Burns and lived in Alpine for many years, where she was active in the United Methodist Church.  In 2018 her ill health caused a move to Fort Worth to be closer to her daughter, Pam. 

            Sue was predeceased by her parents, her husband, Richard Burns, her former husband, Pep Pepperdine, her brothers, Ronald Smith and Gary Smith, and her granddaughter, Chloe Pratt.

            She is survived by her children, Karen Malmberg and her husband, John; Pam Pepperdine and her husband, Ron Bennett; Bob Pepperdine and his wife, Rosemarie; grandchildren Rowdy Dugan, Brandon Pratt, Courtney Green, and Lauren Pepperdine; and great-grandchildren, Ranger and Wyld Dugan, and Riley Green.

            If you would like to honor Sue’s memory, please donate to an animal shelter or animal charity of your choice.

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