Suellen Grace Abbott, 83, of Hemphill, Texas, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Sabine County Hospital. Born on December 6, 1941, in Port Arthur, Texas, Suellen was the only child of Leon C. Hammock and Bernece Ball Hammock. She was a lifelong resident of Sabine County and a proud graduate of Hemphill High School, where she was an active member of the Hornet Band, serving as drum major and twirler. Suellen dedicated 49 years to Hemphill ISD as a beloved firstgrade and later music teacher. Her deep love for the school community inspired her to bring a young live oak tree from South Louisiana to be planted on campus, creating a shaded place for children to play. That tree still stands today on the campus in front of the school, providing the job that she intended.

Her passion for music was evident throughout her life—from her early days in the band to teaching countless elementary students about music. She loved playing the piano and organ, organized choirs for annual Christmas programs and Veteran's Day programs and could often be found singing along to her favorite songs while driving. In addition to her musical talents, Suellen enjoyed drawing and writing poetry, especially patriotic pieces for Veterans Day programs. She was a devoted member of First Baptist Church in Hemphill and an active member of the Eastern Star. Suellen is survived by her husband, Bill Abbott of Hemphill; her daughter, Julee Coon and wife, Amy Foster, of Kilgore; her son, Jason Thomas and wife, Tina, of Vidor; grandchildren, Brenon Coon of Hemphill and Caree Coon of Magnolia; and great-grandchildren, Rylee Grace Paskell, Brelee Jo Coon, Kynslee Ryan Best, and Ellee Nicole Coon. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street, Hemphill, Texas. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2025, in Starr Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Floyd Wright officiating and Charlotte Woods Metcalf delivering the eulogy. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers include Jason Thomas, Brenon Coon, Ronald Wise, Reggie Parks Heath Fuller and Shelly Schultz. A special thank you from family and friends to Sabine County Hospital and Legacies Nursing and Rehab for the wonderful care given to Suellen Memories and condolences may be shared at starrfhuneralhome. com.