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 and 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 3rd at Roller McNutt Funeral Home, Clinton, AR. The funeral will be at Bee Branch Baptist Church on Monday, August 4th at 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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30 Condolence(s)
Sandra and George Odom
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
We were sorry to read this, but it was too late for us to attend Rita's services. We enjoyed hearing her sing and play when we had the opportunity. She always seemed to be happy, and I know it was because she loved the Lord.
Debbie Garrett
Monday, August 4, 2025
My heart is broken hearing of the passing of Rita, my friend and co-worker for the 20th Judicial District serving Judge Andre McNeil.
The 3 of us was a great team!!
Sammy, Dennis and Rita's precious grand girls, my sincere condolences to each one of you! She loved you all with all that she was!
She was so excited with the birth of each one of her grandchildren.
My heart feels an empty hole and I know each one of you feel the same! She was a remarkable woman that loved the Lord and everyone that entered her life!!
Family we know by the life she lived she is in no more pain! There can be Joy in the Morning for everyone of us that knows Jesus as their Savior! What a reunion we will have one great day with Rita and all those who have passed over that chilly Jordan River in through the pearly gates of Heaven!!
I will see you again my sweet Rita, just inside those pearly gates.
Family you have wonderful memories speak of her and share those memories often!
We lift you all today and the days ahead in much prayer!
God bless each one of you,
Deb and Hal Garrett, Jr.
Karla smith Elliott
Monday, August 4, 2025
Sammy and family, Prayers to you all. Rita was a kind sweet soul, and we will miss her.
Linda Cartwright
Monday, August 4, 2025
To All of Rita's Family,
Rita was such a good friend to our family. When we were all younger, and my husband and I would go to Clinton for a visit, she would invite us all over for a musical evening. We have fun pictures of those visits and fond memories.My husband loves to play piano, and when we would be at the Pee Dee Decoration Day, Rita would give up playing the piano for the singing and ask my husband to do it.She was a very sharing and caring person. She will be greatly missed!
Starla Jones
Monday, August 4, 2025
Sammy, Dennis and families, sending you all love and sympathy. Rita will be deeply missed. So many wonderful memories. Love to you all.
Starla Lawrence-Jones
Jerry and Janis Garrett Robbins
Monday, August 4, 2025
We are so sorry for her passing; we are praying for you, Mr. Sammy and all her loved ones. Know she will be missed; but you will be reunited with her one day.
Debbie whillockA
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Brice Smith
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Dennis and family we are so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother.
Praying for you my friend.
Libby Hutchins
Sunday, August 3, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss and will remember you all in prayer.
jeff r smith
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Gary C Isom
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Rita was such a wonderful and positive person. She was an excellent Realtor having brokered the sale of two properties for my family. Rita's experiences she shared about her camper and camping trips helped inspire me to get into the RV world as well. I also appreciated her diligence in caring for and helping maintain the Pee Dee Cemetery.
Toney and Sallie Parish
Sunday, August 3, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss of Rita! She was such a help to us selling Julia Bradley’s house after we lost both Julia and her husband Brad! We know God will give you peace!
Tajuana Hendrix Lahr
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Many thoughts and prayers are with the family. Dad sends his condolences, also
Lavonne Roddy
Sunday, August 3, 2025
So very sorry for your lose. Rita was a wonderful loving cousin and will be greatly missed. Prayers are with y’all
kimberly Tyler
Sunday, August 3, 2025
A great lady she will be miss
Judy and Louis Dawson
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Sammy and family we are so sorry to hear of Ritas passing.
Belinda pack
Saturday, August 2, 2025
So sorry for your loss, to you Sammy and all of the family, i know you will have a hole in your heart. She will be missed by everyone she knew. Belinda pack
Therese Henn Zeigler
Saturday, August 2, 2025
God's blessings on all of you.
A Life well lived & loved.
Pam Bradford
Saturday, August 2, 2025
So sorry for your loss. She was an amazing lady! Prayers for you all.
Rickey Bonds
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Sammy, Dennis and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Rita was a special lady - kind and gracious to all she met. Our loss, too. Rickey Bonds
Ruby L Hopper
Saturday, August 2, 2025
I have known Rita for Many years and she has always been pleasant to be with. Always had a smile and . Heaven has gained a special angel. My condolences go out to the family.
Brenda Boley
Saturday, August 2, 2025
She will be missed. My deepest condolences
Wesley and Loretta Smith
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Rita was a fine lady and a joy to work with. She will be missed by lots of people. She was also a good musician.
Brenda J Hughes
Saturday, August 2, 2025
You will always be in my heart. You were such a loving niece to my mother and a wonderful cousin. My heart aches for your loss. You will be greatly missed. Prayers for the family.
Mark and Nan Gliniecki
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Rita was our neighbor and friend when we moved to Arkansas in 1976. We loved her and spent a lot of time with her. She was a kind and Christian lady. Rest in peace Rita. You will be missed.
Dixie Carter
Saturday, August 2, 2025
My heart breaks for the loss of Rita. I have been praying and knew she was gravely ill. She is now in the arms of God and out of our chaotic work. She is at peace. I love Rita and have known her since I worked in the Clerk's office around 1985. I will miss her and I appreciate her service to our community and her friendship to me.
Les Smith
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Dear Collum Family:
I am so sorry to hear this. So sorry about your loss. Y’all are in my thoughts and prayers.
With Love and Prayers
Les Smith
Melinda Reynolds
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Sammy and the extended family, I am so sorry for your loss. Rita was a good friend from the days working with her at the Courthouse. She always had a smile and treated everyone with respect. She will be missed. Prayers for all.
Shirley Johnson
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Our loss here on earth is surely heaven’s gain. Praying for the family.
Dorothy Gray
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Thank you Rita for being my friend these many years. It was a honor.