Sara Etta Todd was born near Ollifant and Grand Glaise in northern Arkansas on January 15, 1918. Her parents were Farris Hogue, Sr., and Alice Taylor Hogue. Her mother died in the flu epidemic later that year and she was mostly raised by her grandfather, D.J. Hogue. After graduating from McGehee High School, she was hired by Robert May (from Greenville, MS) to manage May's Cash Store that was located in the old Allen Hotel in Monticello, AR. She was still working there in 1940 when Thomas G. Todd came to town, planning to open a store. He took over Robert May's lease, (eventually purchasing the building) and changing the store name to the Popular Price Store.
On October 1, 1942, Sara and Thomas were married. Almost immediately, Thomas signed over power of attorney to Sara, and left for the Air Corp and World War II, leaving Sara to run the store. During the next 4 years, she learned a lot about going to market, buying goods, and running a business. In December 1943, on a cold night just before Christmas, the Popular Price Store burned as part of a block-long fire. At that time Sara was living above the store and escaped with the clothes she was wearing. With a lot of hard work, she was able to replace the stock, re-open, and by the time
Thomas returned from service, the business was making a profit.
Sara and Thomas continued to run the Popular Price Store, eventually leasing and then buying a building on the corner of the square from Mrs. Scott, which is now Cockrell's Shoe Store.
In 1963, they closed out the store and moved to Barton, Arkansas, to teach and spend more time with their family. Sara taught mathematics and Thomas taught science. Eventually, Sara became an elementary principal and finally, retired so that she and Thomas could return to Monticello to live.
Sara and Thomas bought a ¾ ton Chevy pick-up truck, put a camper shell on the back, and during summers and vacations, they camped and traveled from Alaska to the Grand Canyon and the Florida Keys to Newfoundland.
After Thomas died in 1985, Sara continued to travel the world, making a wet landing during a visit to the Galapagos Islands, tent-camping in the Drake Wilderness in Costa Rica, and crawling through attics in Morocco to see handmade carpets.
With the help of her children, good neighbors, and other helpful people, she was able to live in her home in Monticello until October, 2010, when she moved to McKinney, Texas, to be closer to family.
Survivors include two daughters, Claudia Todd-Sonnichsen from St. George, Utah, and Alice Beacham from McKinney, Texas; a son, Thomas G. Todd, Jr. from Crossett, Arkansas and seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Condolences(8)
Sarah Martin
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 24, 2013 On behalf of my mom, myself and the rest of our family, we offer our sincere condolences. May the peace of our Lord and Savior be with you. May you find comfort in knowing that she was blessed with long life and is in the home that God has prepared for us all.Jean Bowen
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 24, 2013 So sorry for your loss. Mrs Todd was so sweet.Carolyn Shockley Donaldson
Tillar, AR Wednesday, April 24, 2013 Claudia,You may not remember me but I was counselor in Royer Hall when we were in college. I have often thought about you and wondered how to locate you. I am sorry to hear about your loss but your mother seems to have lived her dream. I know she was happy.
Please e-mail me when you have the time and let's catch up.
Love you, Carolyn and Larry Donaldson
Kevin & Lynn Peters
Gulf Breeze, FL Friday, April 19, 2013 Condolences to all of the FamilyWanda Lawson Crockett
Monticello, AR Friday, April 19, 2013 Claudia, what a wonderful life your Mom and Dad lived and what great memories you and brother and sister must have. I have great memories of our days at school and when you had a place to study and a piano in the store. Would love to hear from you. Please email me when you can. I found Ann on facebook. My prayers are with you and your family during this loss but what a wonderful hope we have in the future to come. Wanda Lawson CrockettSherrill Scroggins
Fountain Hill, AR Wednesday, April 17, 2013 Tom, Charre and framily. Prayers lifted up for you and your family.Jack T Sloan
Dickson City, PA Wednesday, April 17, 2013 I was taught by Mr Todd and he always made sure we understood things , Jack T. Sloan class of 1961, may they both rest in heaven, my Prayers go out to their children,Susie Chadwick
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 17, 2013 I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Todd. I lived near her for several years in Western Pines. She was a very sweet and kind lady. Heaven will be a better place with her in it