Patsy Jean Melton, 86, of Lono passed away on March 2, 2018 at the Baptist Medical Center in Malvern with her children by her side. She was born November 15, 1931 in Smackover, the daughter of Lawton Thomas Heard and Eva Jean (White) Heard. In 1950, she married a handsome young man who would be her love and companion for sixty-two years. Four children later, she decided to further her education at Henderson State University, first by taking correspondence courses and Saturday classes. She excelled and earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics; during this time she taught high school at Harmony Grove and Poyen. The mathematics faculty at HSU encouraged her to apply for a special National Science Foundation program for high school teachers; for three summers she took classes at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, earning a master's degree in mathematics, after which she was hired by HSU. Patsy earned a reputation as an exceptional teacher of high standards, yet one who encouraged her students and worked tirelessly to help those who struggled with mathematics. She retired as an associate professor after thirty years at HSU.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband (James A. Melton - Shorty), a son (James L. Melton- Jim), a brother (Lowell T. Heard) and two son-in-laws (Al Harrell and Roy Lee Eoff). Left to cherish her memory are her children, Carolyn Eoff, Russ Melton (Susan), and Tammy L. Harrell; daughter-in-law Nancy Melton, sister Sue Nutt (Troy), brother John Heard (Toni), sister-in-law Patricia Heard, sister-in-law Syble Deloach, and brother-in-law Leonard Melton (Angie) ; twelve grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Patsy loved her family and she was beloved and admired in return. She was a beautiful and multi-talented person. As a teenager, she helped her father build a barn. Not only a mathematician, she was a gifted artist, but could also wire a light, help roof a house, plumb a faucet, … just about anything that needed to be done, she could learn to do it. Patsy was a person of integrity and dignity; she particularly valued hard work and determination (bull-dog tenacity, she called it). She was not given to lecturing and mostly taught her children by example. In retirement, she and Shorty immensely enjoyed supporting the activities of their grandchildren, going to all manner of sporting events and other activities. They were even given an "outstanding fans" award by Ouachita High School.   Patsy and Shorty also enjoyed several trips and cruises in retirement. Patsy was a member of the Hunters Chapel United Methodist Church; she served as the pianist.

A debilitating stroke in 2013 resulted in the need for continuous care for Patsy. The family would like to express its appreciation for special caregivers Kristy Howard, Nancy Draper, Loren Webb, and Robin Nutt who helped the family provide her with the best of care in her home.

Although there were lean times and struggles, Patsy and Shorty had a blessed life together and left their family with a legacy of love, compassion, hard work, honesty, and many wonderful memories.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Patsy H. Melton Scholarship Fund, HSU Foundation, 1100 Henderson St , Arkadelphia, AR 7199, or to a charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be sent via www.regencyfuneralhome.com .

Visitation Sunday March 4, 2018, 2-4pm Regency Funeral Home, Malvern

Memorial Service Monday March 5, 1:00pm First Methodist Church, Malvern AR
Arrangements by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com