Laurel "Sue" Elizabeth Burns McConnell, 85, beloved wife of the late James "Jim" Andrew McConnell, Sr., passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Born on November 13, 1940, in Greenville, SC, to the late Russell Burns and the late Alice Sue Haton Burns. Sue was a member of Reedy River Baptist Church. Most importantly, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, family member, and friend whose love, laughter, and devotion touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

A graduate of Parker High School, she lived her life with a spirit that was both fun-loving and fiercely devoted to her family. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcomed, and part of the family. Her warmth and honesty drew people in, and she never met a stranger who didn't leave feeling cared for.

She loved her family completely and without reservation. Her grandchildren were the center of so many of her happiest moments. Whether she was swimming with them in the pool, making crafts, baking treats, spoiling them with their favorite snacks, or simply creating adventures out of ordinary days, she made every moment special. She never worried about the messes that came with making memories, she cared only about the joy and laughter that filled the room. The memories she created with her grandchildren will be treasured forever.

She was known for always being dressed to impress, rarely without her signature red lipstick and always ready with a warm embrace. Her big hugs made people feel loved, and her straightforward nature meant you always knew exactly where you stood with her. She spoke her mind, loved deeply, laughed often, and lived authentically.

She cherished time spent at the beach, adored her beloved dachshunds, and devoted herself wholeheartedly to the people she loved. Loyalty, family, and connection were at the center of her life. She listened, shared stories, celebrated others, and made time for those who mattered.

One of her traditions was baking her famous chocolate cakes. Nearly every week, she would make one and proudly insist it was for Poppy. While she never wavered against that claim, those who knew her best suspected she enjoyed them just as much as he did. It became one of the many endearing things that made her who she was—a simple act of love, tradition, and a little bit of playful stubbornness that always brought smiles to those around her.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she is preceded in death by brother, Tommy Burns.

Sue is survived by sons, James “Jimmy” Andrew McConnell, Jr. (Jeannette) and Russell “Rusty” William McConnell (Mary); grandchildren, Maggie Phillips (Keels), Sam McConnell (Daelyn), Rusty McConnell (McKenna), Tommy McConnell (Asia), and Leigha Trayhan (Colby) and great-grandchildren, Bear, Hazel, Silas, River, Noah, Logan, Noah, Charley, Oakley, Brayden, and Caden and sister, Kaye Burns. 

Together with her husband Jim they were a spirited and unforgettable pair, and we can only imagine the joy of their reunion.

Her legacy will live on through the family she loved so deeply, by the memories she created, the laughter she shared, and the countless lives she touched.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.