of Clinton, AR
April 5, 1944 - August 1, 2025
Rita Jean Collums, a devout Christian from Bee Branch, AR, returned to God on August 1, 2025 at the age of 81.
Rita was born in Clinton, Arkansas in 1944 to Vernie and Sylvia Huggins Brown. Her childhood was split between Clinton and the western United States - she fondly related her days spent picking fruits in California with her family, tending her family's gardens, and playing with her beloved animals.
Rita was a tireless worker and for more than 73 years, she was never without a job. Her jobs were many and it's impossible to list them all. As a child, she helped her family by working as a seasonal laborer, packing fruit, picking cotton and harvesting crops. When she was 18, Rita began working in the Van Buren County Clerk's office. After that point, she worked for the 20th Judicial District as a court reporter and juvenile probation officer. She also obtained her realtor's license and worked for Clinton Real Estate. In her work as in her personal life, Rita attended to her clients with care, joy, integrity, and relentless dedication. She has long inspired her family, colleagues, clients, and neighbors for her steadfast commitment to these values in all aspects of her life.
Rita expressed her faith and love for life in her music. She was a lifelong musician who played the piano, bass, and ukulele--often alongside her husband Sammy-- gracing sanctuaries, senior centers, living rooms, and dance halls with her virtuosic accompaniment.
Rita deeply loved her family and friends - and loved having fun with them! Her grandchildren fondly remember summer vacation camping with Grandma. In her senior years, she spent weekends hauling her camper across Arkansas to enjoy the outdoors with her friends. She loved playing games- her favorite was Rook. Memorable vacations blessed by Rita's presence include adventures in Yellowstone, Alaska, and Hawaii, among many more! Wherever grandma was with family, joy was in abundance.
Rita was a member of Bee Branch Baptist Church and has spent the last several years serving in the worship team at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, JM Brown. She is survived by Sammy Collums, her husband of 40 years; her son Dennis Richardson and wife Susan Treat Richardson; Sammy's children Monte and his wife Maureen, Sam Collums and wife Jessi Collums; her niece Lynne Brice and husband Jerry; Dennis's children, Kate Richardson and husband Prabhat Hegde, Maggie Richardson, Emma Lao and husband Dylan, and their mother Kristen Henn; Monte's children, Tasha and Bailey; and Sam and Jessi's son, Garrett Collums. She will also be greatly missed by Beau Richardson, her favorite grand dog.
The visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 on Sunday, August 3 at Roller McNutt Funeral Home, Clinton, AR. The funeral will be at Bee Branch Baptist Church on Monday, August 4, 11:00 am, with Brother Dwight Decker officiating.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Brice, Stanley Burroughs, Bill Isom, Tim Mahan, Todd Milich and Shane Widener.
To express online condolences please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.
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Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
Highway 65 South
Clinton, AR 72031
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com