Obituaries

Mabel Melson Wann

Photo of Mabel Melson Wann
Mabel Melson Wann of Springdale died Sunday, April 23, 2017 at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. She was born October 1, 1921 in Clarksville, Arkansas to Arthur and Carrie Wilhelm Melson. Mabel was a graduate of Springdale High School and received a Bachelor of Arts in Piano and Music Theory from the University of Arkansas. Upon graduating, she taught music for two years in Cane Hill, Arkansas. When World War II was declared, she and three close friends moved to Washington, D.C. where she worked at the Pentagon for two years. She came back to Springdale and taught choral music at Springdale High School and met her true love, Guy Wann, to whom she was married for 61 years. After teaching high school, she transitioned to teaching kindergarten music at First United Methodist Church of Springdale. Following her years as a Kindergarten teacher, Mabel decided to make a career change and became manager of the Junior department at Dillard's where she worked until retirement. Upon retirement, she and Guy traveled extensively throughout Europe, including Italy where Guy served during the war, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii and numerous other states. One of the most notable trips was their hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Mabel was a long time member of First Baptist Church where she was active in Sunday School, served as backup church pianist, directed various choirs and sang in the church choir for over 55 years. She was preceded in death by her husband Guy, son, Mark, brother, Art and her parents. Survivors include her daughter, Karen Parker and husband Randy, four grandchildren, Carrie Parker Newman and husband Jason, Scott Parker, Melissa Wann Murphy and husband Liam, Elizabeth Wann Creel and husband Robert and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by daughter-in-law, Martha Wann of Springdale and sister, Elsie Mahan of Rogers. Funeral services will be Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 10 a.m. at Sisco Funeral Chapel in Springdale with Rev. Carness Vaughn officiating. Burial will follow at Fayetteville National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, Arkansas 72762. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com.

Published April 25, 2017

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