Elsie Marie Mahan

June 7, 1930 - November 13, 2018

Elsie Marie Melson Mahan of Fayetteville, AR died Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at Katherine's Place in Fayetteville. She was born June 7, 1930 in Clarksville, AR to Arthur Melson, Sr. and Carrie Wilhelm Melson. Elsie attended Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR, where she met her husband, Raymond Russell Mahan. Raymond and Elsie lived in Memphis, TN while Raymond completed dental school. Upon his graduation, they moved to Ashdown, AR, where Elsie lived until 2011. Elsie managed Raymond's dental office until his retirement. She was a long-time member of Ashdown First Baptist Church where she was active in Sunday School and church functions. She was a fun-loving friend, hosting countless bridge parties and entertaining guests at her home. Music was a defining element of her life; she was a talented pianist and organist. She and her sister, Mabel, provided much delight with their piano duets. Elsie and Raymond enjoyed traveling with her siblings and had many adventures throughout America. Later, she and Raymond developed their artistic painting skills and were very active in the Little River County Arts Council, entering much of their work in art shows. She was an engaged and well-loved member of society in Ashdown. Elsie is preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Mahan, son, Kent Mahan, brother, Art Melson, sister Mabel Wann, her parents, Arthur and Carrie Melson, and nephews, Eddie Melson, Larry Melson and Mark Wann. She is survived by her son, Raymond Britt Mahan and his wife, Meredith, grandchildren William, Rebecca, and Jennifer Mahan,, nephew, Keith Melson and his wife, Ellen, niece Karen Parker and her husband Randy, as well as great-nieces and nephews and their children. Funeral services will be held at Madden Funeral Home in Ashdown, AR at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 17, 2018 with Bro. Butch Riddle officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Baptist Home for Children, 222 West Pope Street, Monticello, AR 71655. Donations may be sent to Arkansas Baptist Children's Home and Families Ministries 10 Remington Drive Little Rock, AR 72204.