Jo Anne Cummins

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at the Fort Smith National Cemetery with Reverend Bo Brooks officiating.

Jo Anne was born on February 24, 1936, in Wichita, Kansas, to Guy L. and Mildred E. Van Cleave. She graduated from Wichita High School East and was married to William F. Cummins, Sr. for 63 years. Being a military wife, she made homes for her family in many states, including Kansas, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Alaska, Louisiana, and Washington.

Jo Anne was a devoted wife, loving mother, and dedicated homemaker who, alongside her husband, raised six children during his 26 years of military service. She devoted her life to her family and her faith, raising her children with love, patience, wisdom, and a wonderful sense of humor.

She served as a Troop Leader for the Boy Scouts of America in Charleston, Arkansas, and in her younger years was an active member of the Methodist Church in Charleston. Jo Anne had a true green thumb and enjoyed tending both indoor and outdoor plants. She also loved reading, watching classic movies, crocheting, and, most of all, spending time with her family.

Jo Anne touched countless lives through her kindness, generosity and unwavering love for those around her. She will be remembered for the special moments she shared, the memories she created, and the lasting impact she had on everyone who knew her. Though her presence will be deeply missed, her love, strength, and gentle spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

She is survived by her son, William F. Cummins, Jr. and wife, Carolyn J. Derrera Cummins; her son, Don Edward Cummins and wife, Carolyn R. Sales Cummins; and her daughter, Carlene J. Cummins Thorman and husband, William J. “John” Thorman. She was also blessed with eighteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William F. Cummins, Sr.; her parents, Guy L. and Mildred E. Van Cleave; her brother, Guy L. “Sonny” Van Cleave; her sons, Ralph D. Cummins and Guy A. Cummins; her daughter, Chrystal L. Cummins Parks; and her granddaughters, Dominique J. Cummins, AnnaMarie C. Cummins, and Rachael N. Cummins.

Memorial contributions may be made to Fort Smith Christmas Honors, the American Cancer Society or the Shriners Hospital for Children.