Sue Sullivan Twilley

June 30, 1941 — February 14, 2026

Sue Twilley

Service Details

Sue Sullivan Twilley, 84, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 14, 2026 – Valentine’s Day. Sue was born June 30, 1941 in Union, Mississippi, the daughter of Walter Raleigh Sullivan and Nellie Sue Tanner.

She graduated from Lexington High School in Lexington, Mississippi. She continued her education at Mississippi State College for Women with her Bachelor’s degree and Mississippi State University with her Masters degree. She obtained her PhD in Plant Genetics from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

After completing her doctoral studies, she joined the staff of the University of Delaware where she developed a corn breeding program. Sue met Clarence, her husband-to-be, in a corn field of research plots at an event sponsored by the University of Delaware. They were married November 26, 1977,

She worked for various seed companies as a Seed Geneticist in Tifton, GA, Marion, OH, Kentland, IN, Slater, IA and Kunia, HI. She enjoyed meeting and discussing corn genetics with corn breeders from around the world. She was affectionally known as “Dr. Sue” by her associates and employees. Sue was a member of CAST, Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, and the American Society of Agronomy.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines in Johnston. She loved the Lord and enjoyed scripture conversation with her bible study group and friends over the years. Sue enjoyed traveling to new places and other countries with Italy being her favorite. She was in her element living in Hawaii with the beautiful scenery and amazing flowers and plants. But, most of all, she enjoyed traveling to Delaware to see and visit her daughter and family, including an awesome cat named Mushie. She loved all flowers and plants, especially orchids. She enjoyed reading mystery books and watching mystery movies. Living in and walking the beaches of Hawaii was definitely a highlight.

Sue is survived by her husband or 48 years, Clarence; daughter, Janet (Vernon) Foraker; two grandchildren; her brother Walter (Pat) Sullivan; nephew, Brian Sullivan; and extended family in Mississippi and Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her parents and cousins on both sides.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 11:00 AM at First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines, 8250 NW 62nd Avenue, Johnston, Iowa, with visitation at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Private burial will be held at Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines in Johnston and condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.