Melba Louise Jameson Arrington, born on March 22, 1931, in Eagle Mills, Arkansas, to Hazel and Junius Marcus Jameson, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Arrington, her daughter, Linda Grayson, and her grandson, Ty Keith.

Known affectionately as Mammaw by so many, Melba is survived by her two daughters, Diane (Phil) Keith of Magnolia, Arkansas, and Kellie (Michael) Thomas of Salem, Arkansas. She was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother to many, including Shane Grayson and his children Schyler and Micah; Ashley (Chris) Lyle and their children Taylor and Grayson; Gretchen (Chris) Stinnett and their daughter Parker (Aiden Cripps); Troy (Carson) Keith and their daughter Carolina; Dylan Young; Cole Young (Shealee Neal); Sarah Young; Jesse Thomas and his children Jake, Colt, Riley, and Blakely; and Michael (Reina) Thomas and their children Addison, Jase, Emma, and Marli.

A devout Christian, Melba was an active member of Stephens Church of Christ and Salem Church of Christ. She cherished her faith and the sense of community it brought her. She also was a volunteer at Fulton County Hospital in Salem, AR, where she worked in the gift shop and enriched the lives of others.

Melba had a passion for life, enjoying golfing, cooking, reading, and working on puzzles. She loved shopping and was always on point with her style. Most importantly, she was loving, funny, compassionate, and understanding. Melba adored watching her grandchildren play sports, and she spent countless hours cheering them on at their games.

Melba often expressed her gratitude for being able to live her life in two wonderful places. She spent many years in Stephens, Arkansas, working for Elk Roofing Corporation and serving as the director of the Stephens Housing Authority, later working at the Magnolia Housing Authority.

In 2002, Melba moved to Salem, Arkansas, to help care for her grandchildren. At the age of 73, seeking new challenges, she became a student at Ozarka College and proudly obtained an Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts in 2004.

Her spirit, kindness, and love for family and friends will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Stephens Cemetery, and family and friends are invited to share fond remembrances of Melba.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Elite Hospice of Mountain Home at 330 AR-5 #20, Mountain Home, AR, 72653.