Sumi Howard, 96, of Huntington, Arkansas passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 12, 2026. She was born in Okinawa, Japan on June 27, 1930 to Jinchu and Kama Arakaki. While living on the island with her family, Sumi met the love of her life, Charley Howard. They fell in love, were married in Okinawa and embarked on a courageous journey to America. They traveled aboard the USS General Mitchell in April 1952 to build their new life together, going on to have two children.
After settling in Arkansas, Sumi became a dedicated worker, spending 35 years with Whirlpool before her retirement. Sumi loved to feed people, expressing affection and gratitude through food. She was famous for her homemade eggrolls, which she delightedly shared with everyone, from her family and friends to the local mailman and garbage collectors. She cherished her large group of friends, getting together regularly to cook, visit, and share meals. Sumi also loved to travel and took many memorable trips with her family and friends over the years. Last but definitely not least, Sumi loved watching wrestling every week with her friends, Jeannie and Tommie. Sumi touched many lives, was loved by so many and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Sumi was preceded in death by her parents, Jinchu and Kama Arakaki; her beloved spouse, Charley Howard; her son-in-law, David Jarnagin; her granddaughter, Stephanie Stipins and all of her siblings.
She is survived by her daughter, Betty Jarnagin; her son, Steven Howard and his wife, Lynn; her sister-in-law, Barbara Howard (Jerry); her grandchildren, Jennifer Mellon (Sean), Kyle Jarnagin (April), Alicia Henry (James) and Heather Spencer; her grandson-in-law, Eric Stipins; her great grandchildren, Ericka Shrum (Nathan), Samantha Crawford (Blake), Colton Stipins (Alexa), Isabella Stipins, Riley Shea, Amelia Taff, Lily Ridley (Skyler), Eva Jarnagin, Jackson Jarnagin, Dylan Pelt, Jameson Henry, Jillian Henry, Gristopher Spencer, Gideon Spencer, Dorianna Spencer and Sumi Spencer and her great great grandchildren, Grace Shrum, Talon Shrum, Bryar Pelt, Gianna Shepard, Xaylin Coleman, Blakelee Crawford and SJ Ridley.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Peggy Hayes, her devoted caregiver and like-family companion, for her extraordinary love, care and support.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 16 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with burial at the Fort Smith National Cemetery. Viewing will be Tuesday from 4 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 5 – 7 p.m.
Pallbearers will be James Henry, Jameson Henry, Jillian Henry, Dylan Pelt, Nathan Shrum, Bill Howard, Blake Crawford and Eric Stipins.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
