DUMAS — Sarah Frances
Fuqua Rands Newton, 102, of Dumas, Ark., passed away March 7, 2023. She was born February 19, 1921, in Grady, Ark., and was the daughter of the late Robert Price Fuqua and Floy Hutcherson Fuqua.
Her parents; her first husband, Dr. Howard Allan Rands; and second husband, Howard Newton; her sister, Martha Pittman Landrus, all preceded her in death.
Mrs. Newton was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Dumas. She graduated from Dumas high School in 1939 and attended Arkansas A & M College. She served as Chairman of Board at First United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Arkansas Medical Association Auxiliary and served as vice president. She was also a member of the Red Cross for many years. Mrs. Newton was named 1958 Dumas Woman of Year, served as a Dumas City Council Member and was secretary of the Dumas City Planning Commission. She was the first woman elected to the Dumas School Board. She was also a member of the Desha County Hospital Auxiliary for many years.
Mrs. Newton owned and operated the H.A.Rands Senior Trust until her retirement. She loved Dumas and was active in the community and was willing to help any way she could in the community she called home.
Many will remember her fabulous fruit cakes. She never met a stranger, but if she did, just give her a minute, and they would become friends. Mrs. Newton lived a long and healthy life and would jokingly say “I guess I am the oldest living resident of Dumas.” No doubt, she was the matriarch of this little town.
Survivors are her son, Allan and wife Venesa Rands of Dumas, Ark.; and daughter ,Sarah Rands Jones of Soldotna, Alaska; four grandchildren, whom she treasured, Jennifer Christian Chumley, Rachel Rands Jones, Brittney Dennis, and Trey Rands; seven great-grandchildren James, Rainey, Willow, Ray, Braden, Louise, and Galen; and her two great-great-granddaughters, Paisley and Aubree; a nephew, Tommy Landrus; and a niece, Jessica Landrus Blume.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. at Griffin Funeral Home. Services at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023, at First United Methodist Church in Dumas, Ark., with Dr. Tandy Hanson officiating. Interment will follow at Walnut Lake Cemetery, Pickens, Ark.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, Ark., 72202, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105, and First United Methodist Church,230 Court Street, Dumas, Ark. 71639. Arrangements are made by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, Ark. Please sign the online register book at www.griffinfh.com