Sarah Jane Archer Yoakum, 82, of Benton, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, social worker, and friend, of Benton, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 23, 2026, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, compassion, service, and devotion to her family and community.

Sarah Jane was born on June 6, 1944, to Dr. Charles and Mary Archer. She was raised in Conway, Arkansas, where she graduated from Conway High School. She went on to attend Hendrix College, earning her bachelor’s degree in English and beginning a lifelong commitment to helping others.

In 1969, Sarah Jane married the love of her life, Daniel Ray Yoakum. Together, they shared more than five decades of marriage, building a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, and love. Daniel was her cherished partner and companion throughout their life together. Sarah Jane dedicated much of her professional life to serving others as a licensed social worker. She cared deeply about her community and generously gave her time, talents, and heart through both her professional work and volunteer service. She was involved with Junior Auxiliary, organizations serving the blind, the Arkansas State Hospital, First United Methodist Church of Benton committees, Birch Tree Communities, CareLink, P.E.O., Tuesday Club, Habitat ReStore, and Bryant Public Schools, among many other organizations and causes.

Sarah Jane had a special gift for seeing the potential in people and organizations. She cared deeply about making her community stronger and was passionate about helping nonprofit organizations develop, improve, and better serve the people who depended on them. She never hesitated to lend her experience, wisdom, encouragement, or a helping hand.

While Sarah Jane gave generously to many causes, her greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mother to Drew Yoakum (Robin) of Fayetteville, Arkansas, and Elizabeth Pulley of Little Rock, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Charles and Mary Archer, and her beloved son-in-law, Matthew Clay Pulley.

The true lights of Sarah Jane’s life were her four grandchildren: Bates Yoakum, Maddy Kate Pulley, Tyler Pulley, and Bentley Yoakum. She treasured each of them and took immense pride in their lives, accomplishments, and the people they were becoming. Her grandchildren brought her tremendous joy, and she cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, encourage them, and watch them grow.

Sarah Jane also treasured her friendships. She was blessed with a wonderful circle of friends who lovingly called themselves “The Lunch a Bunch.” These friendships brought her countless hours of laughter, conversation, good food, and companionship. She loved her Lunch a Bunch dearly, and they were an important and joyful part of her life.

Sarah Jane will be remembered for her generous heart, her laughter, kindness, compassion, and dedication to helping others. She had a genuine interest in people and a remarkable ability to make others feel valued and cared for. Her life was one of service, but it was also a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, and love.

She is survived by her husband, Daniel; her son, Drew (Robin); her daughter, Elizabeth; her brother, Charles Archer III of Maine; and her four grandchildren, Bates, Maddy Kate, Tyler, and Bentley.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Sarah Jane and her family. Their care brought comfort during a difficult time and will always be remembered with deep appreciation.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 29, at First United Methodist Church in Benton, Arkansas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Crestlawn Cemetery in Conway at 3:00 PM.

Pallbearers will be Bates Yoakum, Tyler Pulley, Bentley Yoakum, John Joyce, Butch McConnell, and Berry Beard.

Though Sarah Jane will be profoundly missed, her love and legacy will live on through her family, her friends, the organizations she supported, and the many lives she touched throughout her life. Most of all, she will live on in the hearts of the people she loved most. Her family will forever be grateful for the life she lived, the lessons she taught, and the love she so freely gave.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Sarah Jane's memory with a donation to Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas. Donations may be made online at cacarkansas.org/donate or mailed to: Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas 124 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 1630 Little Rock, AR 72201.