of Conway, AR
September 27, 1946 - October 8, 2025
Cora Sue (Barnes) Cummins, age 79, of Conway, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at her home on October 8, 2025. She was born on September 27, 1946, in Marshall, Arkansas, the daughter of SMSgt. Winfred and Bonnie Lou Barnes.
Throughout her youth, Cora lived in several locations across the country, following her father's assignments with the United States Air Force. When her father was deployed to Vietnam, she and her mother returned to Marshall to be near family, where she graduated from Marshall High School.
In 1964, Cora entered Arkansas State Teachers College, now the University of Central Arkansas, where she majored in English and Speech. During her college years, she was a member of the dance team and actively participated in stage productions with the drama department. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from UCA, where she also met her future husband, Woodrow Cummins, during their senior year. The couple later married and shared 57 wonderful years together.
Cora dedicated 37 years to teaching in the Conway Public School System, where she taught a variety of high school English courses. She also taught speech, directed school productions, and served as sponsor for the cheerleading and dance teams for many years. After her retirement, she continued her passion for education as a literacy consultant for six years with E2E Educational Consultants, working with schools in the Delta region.
Above all, Cora was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her daughter, Anna Kathleen, and son-in-law, Anthony Efird, who reside in Mena, Arkansas, with their three sons, Jackson (23), Samuel (22), and Connor (20). Cora was an active and loving grandmother who never missed an opportunity to support her grandsons, whether attending their ballgames, musical productions, or organizing memorable family trips to Gulf Shores. Having been an only daughter and raising one herself, being the grandmother of three boys brought her both joy and adventure.
Cora was a lifelong learner and a woman of many interests. She was a member of the Shakespeare Club, St. Peter's Altar Guild, and the Master Gardeners. An avid reader, she held season tickets at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, often attending performances with fellow retired teachers. She also loved to travel and cherished her trips to England, Scotland, and Ireland, exploring the lands that inspired much of the literature she taught throughout her career.
Cora deeply loved her family and treasured her friends, who surrounded her with care and devotion throughout her illness this past year. Her daughter Katie, son-in-law Anthony, brother-in-law Mike, sister-in-law Myrna, along with numerous friends and neighbors, provided extraordinary support during this time.
She is also survived by cousins, Vernelle Crandall, Nancy Graves, Elaine Blair, Fran Boone, niece Dawn Short, nephew Michael Cummins and a host of extended family members and friends who will forever remember her warmth, intelligence, and grace.
A memorial service will be Monday, October 20, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. at the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Conway, Arkansas with Father Jason Alexander officiating. A reception will follow the service. Arrangements entrusted to Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the UCA Foundation Scholarship in care of the Cora Barnes Cummins Scholarship Fund, 201 Donaghey Avenue, Box 4986, Conway, Arkansas 72035.
http://uca.edu/go/cora
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39 Condolence(s)
Dusty Maxwell
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Beautiful lady. Brother Woodrow you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Dusty
Sue Farris
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Woody, sending love and condolences to your family.
Randy Nokes
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Prayers for The Cummins families
Wanda Newland
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Woody so sorry to hear of your sweet wife's passing. She was a wonderful person. Will keep you and your family in our prayers and thoughts. Wanda and Larry Newland
Bruce leggitt
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Tony Gifford
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Cora was a very special lady. I did my practice teaching under her at Conway High back in 1982. She taught me a lot about the classroom, and encouraged me to go on to graduate school. I owe much of my own teaching career to her guidance. Woody has always been a great friend to me as well. I know you’ll miss Cora, as will we all.
Kirby Williams
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
I was a poor student at Conway High but I always looked forward to Cora’s classes. Among all of her responsibilities and other commitments she found a way to reach me and inspire me with a personalized curriculum that suited my oddball way of learning. She also became close friends with my sister Martha. They had a lot of fun together and Cora and Woody were a great comfort to Martha when she left us way too early. I’ll never forget her.
Erin Roland Haynes
Monday, October 13, 2025
Cora was a special lady and had a great impact on many lives. She will be missed.
Jamie Holmes Attwood
Monday, October 13, 2025
Katie & Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers to you during this difficult time. I have cherished memories of your mom and the warmth she brought to everyone around her.
Carl J. Barger
Monday, October 13, 2025
Dear Woody so sorry to hear of Cora’s death. She was a jewel of a lady. She was one who was loved by many. God’s blessings on you and your family. Take care my friend. Carl J Barger
Leslie
Monday, October 13, 2025
You were the light of her life, Katie. We will keep her alive with all the good memories we share of her. We love you, Woody, Anthony, and the boys so much. We will be there to celebrate her life with all of you.
Karen Woods
Monday, October 13, 2025
I am so sorry for the loss of our sweet Cora. Truly one of a kind, she was a dear friend and teaching mentor to me. I cherish many happy memories- and send prayers for peace and comfort for Woody, Katie, and all of her family and many friends.
Donna Hutchinson
Monday, October 13, 2025
We have only the fondest of memories of Cora. She and Woody were some the first friends we made when coming to Conway in 1980. We always enjoyed being around her. Prayers for Peace and Comfort.
Genie Davis
Monday, October 13, 2025
Cora was a valued member of my St. Peter’s Altar Guild. She will be missed. Love and light to her family.
Bob Barham
Monday, October 13, 2025
Woody & family:
I'm very sorry to learn of Cora's passing. A truly sweet lady she was. My deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family. God Bless.
Bob
Luke Gordy
Monday, October 13, 2025
Absolutely one of a kind! A beautiful, brilliant and thoughtful soul. A terrific wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend. Cora will be forever missed and loved by anyone who had the opportunity and pleasure of knowing her.
Luke Gordy
Monday, October 13, 2025
Absolutely one of a kind! A beautiful, brilliant and thoughtful soul. A terrific wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend. Cora will be forever missed and loved by anyone who had the opportunity and pleasure of knowing her.
David and Jane Bailey
Monday, October 13, 2025
Woody, and family,
We were so very sorry to hear about your loosing Cora!! She was an exceptional lady!!
Just know, you and your family are being prayed for !! We ask God to bless you all, with peace & comfort!! 🙏🏻💖🙏🏻💖
Jane and David Bailey
Zanya Clarkson
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Dear Woody and Katie, I am so sad to hear of Cora’s passing. I loved her with all my heart! I really enjoyed the time we spent together as consultants and afterwards as just friends. She always brightened my day and made me laugh with her witty humor. I will truly miss this special woman in my life. I’m praying for peace and healing for your family. May God comfort you in your time of grief. Thank you for sharing Cora with me.
Jonnie Newport Bart
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Cora Sue was my classmate I always think of her sweet smile and how energetic she was. I am so sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family. Prayers for comfort and peace.
David Meriwether
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Cora was a wonderful friend & teacher; truly a remarkable person. My sincere condolences go to Woody & the entire family.
Carol Sue Bryant
Sunday, October 12, 2025
Sorry for your loss
Many kind thoughts for the family
Julie Hill
Sunday, October 12, 2025
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful and talented person. Sending love and prayers to Woody, Katie and family. Julie and Bobby Hill
Jim and Kay HInkle
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Our love and sympathy in the loss of Cora. We remember Cora fondly from UCA days and seeing you all in Conway in recent years. May you find comfort in the fond memories in the days ahead.
John Carpenter
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Woody, my sincere condolences and prayers.
CAROL GONDEK
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Woody, Katie, and all the Cummins family, so very sorry for your loss. Cora was a lovely woman who shared my love of teaching and literature. Will miss enjoying lunch with her and Myrna when she visited Florida. Prayers.
Marolyn Robbins Guarr
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Woody, I learned of Cora’s passing from Pam Fair, and offer my sympathy to you and to others who loved and shall miss her. May heavenly blessings and precious memories sustain you.
Dianne Weatherley
Saturday, October 11, 2025
So sorry for your loss. I was both a student and later on a co-worker in the English building with Cora Cummins. She was a good lady and a good teacher. My prayers are with you.
Toran Pate Isom
Friday, October 10, 2025
When I think of “Cora Sue”, I think of an exceptionally beautiful person just slightly older than I who spent some time in Marshall, Arkansas, where my dad’s family lived. I do believe we were on the “SCA” campus at the same time. There is no doubt that she elevated awareness in so many high school students over her career of many years. Toran Pate Isom
Treva Branscum
Friday, October 10, 2025
Praying for comfort and peace during this time for this sweet family.
Cecille Kinley Boyd
Friday, October 10, 2025
Sending sympathy and heartfelt prayers to the family .
Cindy Beckman
Friday, October 10, 2025
I am so sorry for your loss of this wonderful woman. She impacted so many. I am thankful to have had her as a senior English teacher as well as a colleague for many years! Both of you greatly made a positive impact on my life. ❤️
Liza L Allen
Friday, October 10, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Cora was a great educator. Remember that you can " see her later" . Prayers for peace and comfort.
Melinda Reynolds
Friday, October 10, 2025
Mr. Cummins and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Lisa Walters
Friday, October 10, 2025
Woody and family, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Best to all.
Karen Matthews
Friday, October 10, 2025
Woody and faimly, I am sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of you. 🙏
Donna McGee
Thursday, October 9, 2025
With my sincere condolences for the loss of my friend, Cora Sue.
Jill Gordy Moon
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Continued prayers of peace and comfort for all, with much love.
John Christie
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Deepest condolences. She was singular, truly one of a kind.