of Harrison, AR
August 16, 1937 - August 26, 2023
Sue Ann Newsom Vance, age 86, of Harrison, went to her Heavenly home on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Countryside Assisted Living. The daughter of Trice Hubert and Catherine Stone Newsom, she was born August 16, 1937, at Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Sue was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry Vance; her sister, Kay Woods, and her grandson, Jerry Ginnings.
Sue was baptized at First Christian Church, Medicine Lodge, Kansas at 9 years of age. She met her husband while in graduate school at Wichita State University and they were married on August 15, 1962. Sue moved to Arkansas in 1988, first living in Newton County and later in Harrison. Sue was a professional musician and educator. She was a classically trained pianist who started playing at age three. She was dedicated to her art and continually practiced so that what she performed matched the composer's intent to the most minute detail. In addition to the many private students over 50 years of teaching, she held teaching positions at Northeast Louisiana University, Deer School, and Arkansas Tech University. Sue was also employed as a church organist and pianist all her life, most recently at First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, and her own church home, First Christian Church.
Sue was a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers, traveling over a four-state area judging guild auditions for other teachers' students. She transferred her work ethic, vision, and enjoyment of music to the thousands of students she taught and judged. She was also a member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) for 64 years.
Sue is survived by her son, Todd Vance of Houston, Texas; her daughter and son-in-law, Kayla and Frank Ginnings of Lebanon, Missouri; her granddaughter, Jessica Vance and her mother, Martha Benham; her grandson, Adam Ginnings; her brother, Robert Newsom and many other family members, friends and former students who will mourn her passing.
A Celebration of Life was held Sunday, September 3, 2023, at First Christian Church, Harrison, with Dr. Charles Adair officiating.
A private family graveside service was held at Deer Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Sue's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
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11 Condolence(s)
Glenna (Gay) Heltzel Shore
Monday, September 25, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Sue's Passing. Sue was a dear, close friend when we were both music students at WSU. She was also a bridesmaid when my husband and I were married in 1959. Sue was an excellent student, earning many awards. She served as president of our Alpha Phi Sorority. So much fun, and always there for her friends when needed. She will certainly be missed by ALL who were lucky enough to know her. But, it is comforting to know that she and Jerry are once again making music together in Heaven.
Rev. Dr. Richard Shinkle
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Sue was my organist at First Presbyterian Church when I came To Harrison in 1978. I Just found out she passed. She was a wonderful person and Christian.
Jeannie Maples
Friday, September 1, 2023
My sincere prayers are with all of Sue’s family. I was lucky to get to know her and call her a friend when she was organist at First Presbyterian Church in Harrison. She was a beautiful lady with amazing talents. She will be truly missed. The choir of angels will be be accompanied by Sue’s lovely music.
Andy Anders
Thursday, August 31, 2023
It was a fortunate day when we learned that Sue had retired from Deer public schools and hopefully might be available for accompanying the Arkansas Tech Choirs. She came on a part time basis and soon had numerous additional accompaniments for student recital solos. She was most competent, but most importantly, she was such a wonderfully genuine person, adding stability to the lives of students facing fears of performance. After her second retirement, we remained in touch at Christmas time. The exchange of cards and annual updates will be sorely missed. We loved you, Sue.
Sharon Stanley
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Kayla and Todd, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom and Dad, I have thought about y'all so many times over the years and where y'all were. My deepest sympathy to you both and your families. I don't have a childhood memory that the Vance's weren't a part of, here in Monroe, LA. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Don Wilkins
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Jerry and I were rooming together in Wichita while attending college there. I met Sue when she was dating Jerry. She was a very kind and warm individual. I made several trips to their home in Arkansas to visit while Jerry was still working on it. I will miss her & Jerry very much. May God welcome her home.
Kevin
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
I am very sorry to hear about Mrs. Sue. She’s an awesome lady. I have always had really great memories of her and Mr. Jerry and have thought about them both many times throughout the years.
Rob Romeyn
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
I loved Mrs Vance. In took piano from her. I remember I played my version of “happy Birthday†during one of my lessons. She said “That’s not happy Birthday!†It was funny.
She was a sweet lady that was loved by all
Ray Cooper
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Prayers for the family as they transition to the absence of this great lady from their lives.
James Gibson
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Sue has accompanied me many times over many years. She was great. I too will miss her.
Maureen Davis
Monday, August 28, 2023
Mrs. Vance was a very nice and gracious person. She taught 2 of sons music lessons after school. Very patient and encouraging.