Marjorie Ann Melton

Marjorie "Margie" Ann Melton of Bella Vista and Fort Smith, Arkansas joined her Lord and Savior on Friday, September 4. Margie was born on August 4, 1952 in Springfield, Missouri to Loyd and Sue Jones.
Margie had fought a strong and valiant fight against cancer for more than thirteen years and was a great example of strength and composure under trying circumstances.
Margie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Missouri State University and had completed graduate work at the Missouri University for Science and Technology and the University of Arkansas. Margie had instructed all grades of elementary school in Louisiana, Missouri and Arkansas with her longest tenure at Fairview Elementary in Fort Smith. Margie was a third-generation elementary teacher and loved teaching first graders how to read.
Margie accepted Jesus as her Savior at church camp in Missouri at the age of 11. She had been a member of First Baptist Church of Fort Smith for nearly 35 years. Besides her love for teaching, Margie was dedicated to the adult choir at First Baptist, but her special love was for the children's choir and the youth ministry. Margie enjoyed the outdoors and treasured the many family camping trips to Devils Den State Park and Colorado. She accompanied Doug on many hikes and climbing trips and had managed to complete two of the Colorado 14,000-foot peaks as well as the highest point in 21 of the States. Margie was an avid seamstress and enjoyed quilting and making special outfits for her granddaughters.
Margie is survived by Doug, her husband of 42 years. She is also survived by her daughter, Betsy Ann Ellett and husband, Dr. Andy Ellett of Ozark, Missouri and her daughter, Martha Ann Beam and her husband Daniel Beam of Fort Smith, Arkansas. The apples of Margie's eye were her two granddaughters Adelyn Ann Ellett and Marian Kate Ellett of Ozark, Missouri. Margie is also survived by her brother, Doug Jones and wife Cindy of Nashville, Tennessee; her sister, Mary Sue Johnston of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; her brother, Dennis Jones and wife Karen of Huntington, Indiana; her brother, Donald Jones and wife Kellie of Nixa, Missouri, and her sister, Marsha Schutt and husband Craig of Nixa, Missouri. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Jim Melton and wife Letha of Mountain Grove, Missouri; brother-in-law, Dennis Melton and wife Linda of Cody, Wyoming; and sister-in-law, Jody Blackburn and husband Ed Blackburn of Cabool, Missouri. Margie left many nieces and nephews of which she was very proud.
Margie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother-in-law, Larry Johnston, and her nephew, Johnny Johnston.
The family invites you to her memorial service at the First Baptist Church, 1400 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, September 8. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Tuesday, September 8, at First Baptist. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
Margie will be laid to rest at the Stubbs Cemetery near Mountain Grove, Missouri with a graveside service at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, September 9. Graveside services are under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Margie may make a gift to the music ministry at First Baptist Church, 1400 Grand Avenue - Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.


Graveside Service: Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 1:00 PM

Burial: Stubbs Cemetery, Mtn. Grove, Missouri