Susan Ann Hickey,71, of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, formerly of Salem, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones.
She was born in Fairbury, Illinois to Gearld and Virginia (Stickles) McCarty on May 18th, 1955.
Susan enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, boating, camping, and gardening, and taking care of her yard and flowers. Susan’s greatest pastime was shooting pool with her son Dale at tournaments, and she could control the table. Susan had a special place in her heart for the people that she came to know and love in the Nursing home. Susan would be their advocate for the residents when needed, as if they were her family. Susan’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and grandkids. Susan was a member of the Local Moose and VFW establishments of Mt. Vernon, IN
The family would like to thank everyone for their help and support through this time of loss.
Susan is survived by her daughters: Kathy DeVous (Daniel) of Mill Shoals, Jerri Ann Gray (ex-husband: John Willis) of Salem; Son: Dale Gray (Lori) of Mt. Vernon, IN; Grandchildren: Dylan, Shannon (Bret), Sarah, Ashley (Seth), Cadie, Brittany (Bishop), and Hanna; Great grandchildren: Aubree, Nova, Bennett, Blakley, Tallulah, Kathryn, Johnathan, and Koltyn; Brother: Jerry McCarty of Forrest Illinois: Sisters: Connie Beck of Forrest, Illinois, and Diana Quist (Monte) in Dallas, Texas; several nieces and nephews; and a special close friend, J. R. Harper of Mt. Vernon, IN.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alan Hickey; her parents, Gearld and Virginia McCarty; her sisters, Rosie McCarty and Shirley Mowery; and the father of Susan’s children, Jerry Gray.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on August 1st, 2026, at the Bell Cemetery on Old Bell Rd in Iuka. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mission Salem or Sleep in Heavenly Peace and will be accepted at Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home, PO Box 97 / 310 N. Broadway, Salem, Illinois 62881. Online condolences may be left at www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or on the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home Facebook page.
