Atkinson Funeral Home

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.

02/12/2026

Emergencies happen. Vital ICE can help. Download the app and fill out your vital medical information. Your information will then be available to EMS and First Responders when they need it the most. \

To learn more about this free, life-saving app for your smartphone, visit http://204149.celebrate-life.us/vitalICE

02/11/2026

Hollis Leroy Rosson

Hollis Leroy Rosson, 95, of Ink, Arkansas, passed peacefully on February 7, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on January 30, 1931, in Ink, Arkansas. Hollis was the beloved son of Leonard Andrew Rosson and Pearl May Cottman Rosson. He had a hard childhood helping his mom provide for his siblings and went on to become a self-taught successful businessman. He wasn’t an educated man, but he was one of the smartest men you would ever meet whether it was building a camper from the ground up (that was too big to get out of the shop) or tweaking one of his machines to make hammer handles because the price at the store was outrageous. Once he put his mind to it, he was going to figure it out.

Hollis married Linda on August 30, 1958, and together they built a life filled with love, countless adventures, a lifetime of memories and a son they adored. He was a proud grandfather to Courtney and Logan, who will always remember his stories, humor, gadgets he made, and when he taught us how a cow chews cud.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Linda Rosson, his son, Bobby Rosson (Shannon Rosson), grandchildren, Courtney and Logan Rosson, great grandchildren, Asher, Carsten, and Elizabeth, and many nieces, nephews, good friends, and his church family. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Artie Rosson, DeRoy Rosson, Flossie Willcox, and Wilba Embry.

A celebration of Hollis’ life will be held on February 28, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Mena Church of God.

His stories, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew Hollis.

View Hollis Leroy Rosson's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/10/2026

Men and women who have served in the Armed Forces deserve special consideration. Contact us to learn more about our funeral and burial benefits for Veterans.

02/06/2026

We believe cremation can and should be an experience. Saying goodbye to a loved one is necessary regardless of what you choose for the body’s final resting place. The grieving process starts at a funeral, celebration of life, or gathering of some sort. In planning for your own funeral, or at the time of need for a loved one, consider creating an experience for friends, families, colleagues, and neighbors to say goodbye and begin the grieving process. If you would like us to contact you to answer any questions regarding a celebration of life, let us know if you prefer communication by phone or email: http://204149.celebrate-life.us/reach-out/

02/04/2026

Paula C. Gray

Paula C. Gray passed away on January 30, 2026, in Malvern, Arkansas, at the age of 78. Born on March 25, 1947, Paula's life was marked by her unwavering commitment to family and her passion for care in both her prior professional and personal life.

For many years, Paula worked as an LPN at Baptist Little Rock Hospital, where her gentle demeanor and compassionate nature left a lasting impression on those she served. Her career was not just a job but a reflection of her desire to help others, exhibiting the same love and care that she extended to her family.

Paula was known for her fiery spirit and a remarkable sense of humor. Friends and family recall her as funny and witty, often the first to offer her thoughts, opinions, and instructions, especially when it came to cooking. Her passion for culinary arts was evident every time she entered the kitchen, either baking or cooking meals with love. There was never a lack of joy and laughter when Paula was around, as she loved to pick and pester, bringing lightheartedness to those fortunate enough to know her.

Her faith was an important part of her life, and she enjoyed attending church whenever she could. However, the most cherished moments for Paula were those spent with her grandchildren, with whom she shared a deep bond. She took great joy in being a grandmother, often creating memories that they would carry with them throughout their lives.

Paula's legacy will continue through her loving family. She is survived by her two children, Glen James and Gwen James; her brother, Gary Gray; and her grandchildren Zachary James, Hayley James, Autumn James, Brittney Reid, Micah James, Morgan James, David Dyer, Micheal Dyer, Jimmy Dyer, Tyler James, and Alayna James, along with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and other family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Paula C. Gray is preceded in death by her parents, Hershel and Florence Gray, and her beloved daughter, Martha Ellen James. Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those she loved and served, as they celebrate the vibrant life she lived and the indelible mark she left on their lives.

Visitation will be Friday, February 6, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Liberty Chapel in Malvern, Arkansas. Services will follow beginning at 12:00 PM. Interment will be held at Neighbor's Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at www.atkinsonfuneralhome.net

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

01/31/2026

This is a good question to ask. We like to be upfront about embalming. Embalming is not required by law, except in a few special circumstances. In nearly all cases, you do not have to embalm. Contact us if you have specific questions about this or other topics. We are always striving for honest and open communication on all things funeral related.

01/28/2026

Vital ICE allows the user to input their (and their dependents') medical information, emergency contacts, and more... all in one place! The app is available for free for any Apple or Android phones.

iTunes: bit.ly/apple-vitalice
Google Play: bit.ly/android-vitalice

To learn even more more about this free, life-saving app for your smartphone, visit http://204149.celebrate-life.us/vitalICE