Tommye Sullivan Givens

Tommye Sullivan Givens

Tommye Sullivan Givens, 93, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2015, at her home in Weiner. She was born in Trumann, Ark., on April 4, 1922, to the late C.T. and Ione Sullivan. She was one of five girls born to Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan; Marguerite Sullivan Holmes of Harrisburg, Bernice Wimpy of Harrisburg and Dorothy Sullivan Baker of Harrisburg, all deceased, and Betty Sullivan Murphy of Hot Springs.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Charles E. Givens of the home; one daughter, Vicki Jo Givens Scivicque, and son-in-law, Rev. Chip Scivicque of Auburn, Ala.; four grandchildren, Daniel Scivicque and Anna of Opelika, Ala., Joseph Scivicque and Lily of Atlanta, Ga., Amy Scivicque Edwards and Stephen of Atlanta, Ga., Amber Scivicque of Auburn, Ala.; five great-grandchildren, Asher Edwards, Mattie Edwards, Augustine Scivicque and Evangeline Scivicque, all of Atlanta, Ga., and Michael Scivicque of Opelika, Ala.

Tommye's family moved to Harrisburg, when she was a child and she lived there until she left to attend MSCW in Mississippi and Chillicothe Business College in Missouri. She worked in Washington, D.C., for a short period then returned to Harrisburg, where she served as Deputy Collector and Deputy Treasurer of Poinsett County. In 1967 she was elected Poinsett County Assessor, becoming the first woman elected to public office in Poinsett County. She served as County Assessor for 12 years, retiring in 1980. She was also elected president of the Arkansas Assessors Association and served in that position for several years. In 1983 she was appointed as Secretary of the State Democratic Party by then Governor Bill Clinton.

She was originally a member of Harrisburg United Methodist Church and after moving to Weiner, she was an active member of Weiner United Methodist Church. She loved her church and faithfully served there for many years including several years as church secretary.

Tommye was especially close to her four sisters and their families. Her daughter and grandchildren were the light of her life. She made many trips to visit them in other states and five trips to Thailand to visit her daughter and family while they lived there. She loved her role as wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

In October 2014, the 38th Annual Arkansas Rice Festival Committee honored Tommye as their "Woman of the Year -- for a lifetime of outstanding leadership, service and dedication to Poinsett County, the city of Weiner and the Arkansas Rice Festival."

Tommye spent 35 years working for the citizens of Poinsett County and the state of Arkansas. She loved people and her job. It was a pleasure for her to help someone. Many years of her life were spent in public service. She always remembered she was working for the tax paying public and enjoyed helping anyone and everyone. She loved people and they knew that she loved them.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 20, at the Weiner United Methodist Church with Rev. Chip Scivicque officiating. Interment followed in Oak Grove Cemetery at Weiner under the direction of Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home of Jonesboro. Visitation was held at the funeral home, 300 West Matthews, Jonesboro, from 2-5 p.m. Sunday.

Active pallbearers were Mike McDermott, Lee Murphy, Eric Baker, Bradley Wimpy, Kirk Baker, James Wess, Jordan Wimpy, and David Murphy. Honorary pallbearers were Tom Wimpy, Jerry Wimpy, Tommy Wofford, Allen Soden, Rob DeGood, Merle Williams, Laferrrel Wess, Linda Knapple, Bill Roberts, Johnny Rye, Larry Mills, present and past Poinsett County officials.

A special thank you to the wonderful ladies who cared for Tommye: Nyoka Varner, Polly Cansler, Sheila Turner, Tawanna McIlvoy and Sherrie Myatt.

Those wishing to send memorials are asked to consider the Oak Grove Cemetery, the Weiner Fire Department or your favorite Christian organization.

Online condolences may be made to the Givens family at www.mcnabbfuneralhomes.com.