Selah Vaun Sloan Mason

Selah Vaun Sloan Mason, 86, of Fairfield, Texas, passed away peacefully in her home on May 31, 2025, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply. Born on February 16, 1939 in Gorman, Texas, Selah was the beloved daughter of Alf and Mabel Sloan and was raised in De Leon, Texas. Her early years were filled with joyful memories spending time in her family’s store, Sloan's Grocery. Selah enjoyed playing her clarinet and served as the drum major of the De Leon Bearcat Band. In addition to leading the band, Selah was chosen as class favorite and Stage Band Vocalist.

Selah married her high school sweetheart, Jim West, in 1957. Together, they raised two daughters, Lisa and Lindy, in De Leon and Athens, Texas. Some of their fondest memories include spending time at Lake Athens, camping, and exploring the country together. Selah defied the odds of her generation to earn her bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State College in 1972 and a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1977. She then became a Licensed Professional Counselor. Education was not only her personal achievement, but a passion she passed on to her students and family.

Selah spent many years as a beloved fifth-grade teacher at South Athens Elementary and later as Athens Junior High counselor. She finished her career in Martins Mill. Her love for her students was unmatched, and her retirement was celebrated with a full parade and the dedication of a statue in her honor.

In 1986, Selah married Colonel Joseph Mason, and for 35 years, they built a life of travel, farm living, and deep devotion to their grandchildren. Whether at a ballfield or a dance competition, they were always there, cheering them on with pride.

Music was always a huge part of Selah’s life. She loved to play the piano, sing in the choir, and never missed a chance to dance. Her life was marked by joy and grace, which she shared freely with everyone around her.

More than anything, Selah was a woman of unwavering faith. She gave her heart to Jesus at church camp as a young girl, and her faith remained the foundation of her life. She was the family’s prayer warrior, often spending hours in her “prayer closet,” lifting loved ones and strangers alike before the Lord. She was a proud and active member of First United Methodist Church in Fairfield, where she served by playing the organ, ringing handbells, and singing in the choir.

Selah was a light to everyone she met. Her legacy of love, strength, and prayer will continue to live on in all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Mabel Sloan and husband Joseph F. Mason.

She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Montgomery (Monte) and Lindy Neill (Perry); grandchildren Weston Montgomery, Trent Montgomery (Lauren), Natalie Clopton (JP), Lori Jackson (Brady), Hunter Hurst, and Brindin Hurst; and great-grandchildren Julian Montgomery, Nolan Clopton, and Catherine Clopton. She is also survived by her sister, Lennetta Box (Douglas); nephews Derek Box (Sunmi), Daryl Box (Tiffany), and Damon Box (Shayna); and great-nieces and nephews Dylan, Caroline, Austin, Noah, Landon, and Isabella. She is also survived by her stepchildren Nancy Mason Black (David), Vance Mason (Georgia), and Jeff Mason; grandchildren Joseph Mercker, Callie Hitchcock, Ian Mason (Isabel), Samantha Mason, and Courtney Mason; and great-grandchildren Mason Mercker, Emma Mercker, and McClane Nahhas.

A celebration of Selah’s life will be held on June 4th, 2025 at 2PM at First United Methodist Church in Fairfield. Visitation with the family will be at First United Methodist Church from 12:30-2:00. A private burial will take place at a later date in the Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery.

Flowers may be delivered to Fairfield United Methodist Church in Fairfield, Texas or Moore’s Funeral Home in Arlington, Texas.

Pallbearers: Trent Montgomery, Weston Montgomery, JP Clopton, Brady Jackson, Derek Box, Daryl Box, Damon Box, Hunter Hurst and Brindin Hurst.