Patsy Jean Melton

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. 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. Memorial Service was March 5, 2018, at First United Methodist Church. Memorials to Patsy H. Melton Scholarship Fund, HSU Foundation, 1100 Henderson St , Arkadelphia, Ark., 71999, or to a charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be sent via www.regencyfuneralhome.com.