Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Sue Mitchell is a graduate of Central High School. She continued her education at the University of Mississippi where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Later, she received a master of Science from University of Tennessee. Sue began her teaching career in Atlanta Georgia, but after three years returned home to Shelby county to teach for three years at Egypt elementary, 10 years at Riverdale Middle School, and twenty-three years at Bartlett high school.

From 2005 to 2009 she worked for the athletic department for the University of Mississippi as a learning specialist. In total, she has spent 43 years in education working in areas from elementary to the collegiate level. During her life she has been active in her sorority, kappa delta, as an alumni advisor. She also was the advisor national champion Bartlett Cheerleaders. Most recently she was portrayed by Kathy Bates in the Oscar nominated movie the Blind Side.