Atkinson Funeral Home

03/09/2026

The biggest motivator we've seen for planning ahead for your funeral, burial or cremation service comes from the love of your children and grandchildren. Give the greatest gift to your family and begin planning with us. We will walk you through the process in a way that's most convenient for you. Contact us at 501-922-6100 today if you'd like to start.

03/06/2026

03/05/2026

...A beautiful and personal way to honor their memory. The painting could be of whatever you desire, and completely unique. What are some ideas you have for memorializing a loved one?

03/03/2026

We take great care in answering this common question. Just like adults, children’s grieving journeys can begin at a funeral. So the short answer is yes. The long answer: We think it’s best that you share with your children as much as possible in preparation of what they will experience. Explain to them that there will be people there that are sad, and even crying. Be sure to let them ask as many questions as they can in advance. For babies, toddlers and very young children, it is up to you if you think they can participate in a visitation, funeral, celebration of life, or gathering.

02/27/2026

We know you are grieving and we are here for you. Don't ever hesitate to reach out about grief support. Wishing you comfort in your grief journey.

02/25/2026

Vital ICE allows you to list your vital information including; blood type, allergies, medications, medical history, ICE contacts, and more! This information will be available to First Responders when they arrive on the scene. Download the app on your phone today, for free!

We've partnered with this life-saving app to offer it to you for free. Learn more at http://204149.celebrate-life.us/vitalICE

02/22/2026

We are here to help our community. If you would like us to contact you about planning ahead, let us know if you prefer communication by phone or email: http://204149.celebrate-life.us/reach-out/

02/20/2026

Jack Lee Irwin

Jackie Lee “Jack” Irwin passed away on February 17, 2026, in Hot Springs Arkansas. He was born July 12, 1935, to William C. and Mary Stevenson Irwin. One of Jack’s greatest pleasures in life was feeding people from Martin’s Recreation Center to those residing in the local jails to members and guests of First Baptist Church of Hot Springs.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dalene, and brothers Johnnie Joe, William R Buzz, Sam, and Charles Ray “Chod” Irwin.

Survivors include his daughter, Dawn (David) Irwin -Tharrett; four sons; brother, William C Irwin JR. two sisters Mary Sue Lane, and Lucy Cavnor; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Special grandchildren are Alexa Hall, and Adam and Ben Tharrett.

A Celebration of Jack’s life will be at 1:00 pm February 26, 2026, at Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel. In leu of flowers please make donations to the Fountain Lake Alumni Scholarship fund at

https://www.arcf.org/give-online/?fund=Fountain+Lake+Alumni+Association

View Jack Lee Irwin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/20/2026

Mary Lou Douglas

Mary Lou Douglas was born on February 27, 1938, in Oak Grove, Arkansas, to Jesse James Williams and Gladys Lovella O’Neal Williams. She was raised in Oak Grove and grew up rooted in a strong faith in the Assembly of God Church, a faith that guided her throughout her life.

On February 19, 2026, Mary Lou peacefully went to her eternal home in Heaven with Jesus.

As a young woman, she later moved to California, where she graduated from Banning High School in Wilmington. She married the love of her life and sweetheart of 57 years, Chester “Chet” Douglas. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They were blessed with two children, Chester Dewayne Douglas and Robin Lynn Douglas.

Mary Lou and Chet were proud business owners, operating Chet’s Market in Wilmington and Huntington Beach, California, as well as in Hot Springs, Arkansas. In later years, they owned and operated the Family Restaurant and Donut Shop in Arkadelphia before retiring.

Above all, Mary Lou was a devoted wife, mother, “Mimi,” aunt, and friend. She loved her family second only to her love for God. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering faith touched everyone who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Jesse and Gladys Williams; her beloved husband, Chester Douglas; her son, Dewayne Douglas; her son-in-law, Keith Bell; her grandson, Cody Jacob; her sister, Adell; and her brothers, Ed, Joe, Ramsey, Ken, and Don Ray.

She leaves in waiting her daughter, Robin Douglas-Bell; her grandchildren, Wendy Kay Ross (Randy), Courtney Douglas (Jeremy), Kendra Douglas, Jack Bell (Amber), John Douglas, and Christopher Douglas; her great-grandchildren, Brian (Emily), Justin, Jacelyn, Nathaniel, Payton, Silas, Carter, and Lily; her great-great-granddaughter, Evie Mae; her sister, Sue Mitchell; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own.

Services will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Atkinson Funeral Home Chapel in Malvern at 12:00 PM, with visitation on Monday, February 23, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Burial will follow at Lone Hill Community Cemetery.

Pallbearers Jack Bell, John Douglas, Christopher Douglas, Brian Fields, Justin Bryant, Jeremy Umphries, and Randy Ross. Honorary pallbearers Kenny and Dennis Mitchell “Her Bonus Boys”.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Gentiva Hospice of Hot Springs for their compassionate care and support. www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net

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02/15/2026

We believe that the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces deserve special consideration. Not only do veterans receive the standard funeral and burial benefits from the federal government, we also offer additional services for all who have bravely served. To learn more about veteran offerings, contact us at your convenience.

02/14/2026

Paula E. Melancen

Paula E. Melancen, a beloved member of the Malvern community, passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 82. She was born on November 14, 1943, in Malvern, Arkansas, where she spent her formative years and built a life filled with love and dedication to her family.

Paula was known for her fun-loving spirit, loyalty to her friends and family, and her honest and thrifty nature. She had a passion for cooking, sewing, and gardening, and took great joy in caring for her husband. Her love for reading and attending church services reflected her deep-seated values and commitment to her faith.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Jim Melancen. Paula's legacy continues through her children, Tina Patterson (Drew) and Tammy Rowland (Paul). She is also remembered fondly by her siblings, Brenda Kennedy and Mary Sanchez. As a grandmother, Paula cherished her grandchildren: Jared Speed (Keara), Anthony Speed (Chelsea), Benjamin Speed, Ashley Dyer, and Heather Best (Nic). Furthermore, she was proud of her 13 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. Alongside her immediate family, she leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Paula was preceded in death by her parents, Hershel and Martha Corley, her siblings Betty Russell, Linda Hill, Joyce Brewer, and her daughter Tricia Melton.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Mariann Harrington and her team at Carti for their expert care, as well as the staff at National Park Medical Center, Dr. Patel, Higginbotham Medical Clinic, and Dr. Higginbotham.

Visitation will take place on February 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM, both held at Meadowview Missionary Baptist, located at 1760 US-270, Malvern, Arkansas. Interment will follow at Lone Hill Cemetery, Hwy 84, Malvern, Arkansas

Paula E. Melancen will be remembered for her unwavering love, kindness, and commitment to her family. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Online condolences can be made at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net

View Paula E. Melancen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.