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.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com