Masuko Fuqua

Masuko Yamamoto Fuqua, 92, of Abingdon, Virginia, passed away on April 10, 2026, after a brief illness. Born on August 3, 1933, in Sapporo, Japan, Masuko was the daughter of the late Tokichi and Che Yamamoto.

To know Masuko was to love her. She exhibited love and kindness everywhere she went, extending hugs and sunshine to everyone she met. Affectionately called the Japanese Snow White, Masuko had a gift for drawing creatures of all kinds to her side. She loved and cared for every stray cat that crossed her path, instantly taming them, having them spayed or neutered, giving them a name, and providing them a home for the remainder of their lives. She often integrated the occasional old possum, skunk, groundhog, and deer into her little kingdom as well. Her passions were gardening and caring for animals, and her yard was a living testament to both.

Masuko was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Fuqua, and her parents. She is survived by dear friends Anthony Dickenson, Kim Stanley, and Bruce Higginbotham, along with countless others whose lives she touched with her warmth and generosity.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Masuko walked closely with the Lord throughout her life. She now rests peacefully in His loving arms, reunited with those who went before her.

Graveside services will be conducted by David Miller on Tuesday, April 14, at 2:00 p.m. at Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon, Virginia.

A very special thanks to Jillian Baker, Jennifer Bowers, Joyce Holmes, and Darlene Johnson for their care and kindness.

In memory of Masuko Fuqua, plant a tree and love a stray.