Bartlow volunteers in Costa Rican outreach
Sue and Byron Bartlow were married in September 1988. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON – Like the tagline from TV’s “Cheers,” ‘everybody knows your name’ in Madison, and Sue Bartlow likes that small-town feel.
But, the city offers much more in shopping, restaurants and activities. “Madison really has been the only place I’ve lived and really built lots of relationships,” Bartlow said.
Born in Kittanning, Pa., Bartlow spent her youth near Altoona, Pa. until graduation from Bellwood-Antis High School in 1983.
“My dad was transferred to Alabama to work at PPG Industries. I moved before my family for classes at the University of Alabama in Huntsville,” Bartlow said. Sue married Byron in 1988 and graduated from UAH in 1989.
The Bartlows’ daughter Kelsey Fourroux and husband Brian live in Ardmore, Ala. with three-year-old Ezra and three-month-old Eden. Daughter Julie is a senior at Memphis College of Art.
Currently, Sue is a board member with Voice of Liberty North America, sister organization to Voice of Liberty Costa Rica. With that group, Sue has volunteered in prison ministry in Costa Rica and with Kairos. She has traveled to Costa Rica 11 times in 10 years.
“I love being part of a ministry where you can witness God moving, (which) I see happening in Costa Rica every time I’ve been on a mission trip,” Sue said. She likes working directly with Carlos and Karla Cunningham and inside the women’s prison, Buen Pastor. She creates websites for both organizations (vozdelibertad.net and voiceofliberty.net).
She also serves on an advisory board for Christian Women’s Job Corps – Madison campus. She attends The Table, a new and unique church whose members meet in “a network of house churches.”
Her business, Sue Bee’s Memories, specializes in custom, memory quilts, like T-shirt and photograph quilts. (suebeesmemories.com) Sue also provides long-arm quilting services.
Sue works as a marketing specialist at National Children’s Advocacy Center and on freelance projects in graphic design.
Her varied musical taste includes Maroon 5, Prince, Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, U2 and The Eagles. “One of these days, I’m going to learn to play the banjo,” she said. For new dining options, Sue hopes Madison will attract restaurants with organic choices, like Mason Dixon, Farm Burger and farm-to-table cafes.
The Bartlows’ three rescued cats are named Cori, Ciara and Cooper.
