Melba Jane Thompson

Melba married Bobby Joe Thompson on August 6, 1955, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Together they shared nearly 43 years of marriage before Bobby’s passing in 1998. As an Army wife, Melba devoted herself to caring for her family while they lived in various places across the country during Bobby’s military service. After settling in Fort Smith, she worked for more than 20 years at Windsor Park Daycare at Windsor Park Baptist Church.

A woman of deep faith, Melba was devoted to both her church family and her relationship with God. No matter where the Army stationed her family, she always found a church home where she could grow in her faith and serve.

Melba was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Thompson; her parents, Robert and Ida Danley; and her sisters, Audra Talbert, Amy Johnson, and Lucille Crouch.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Nancy Harwood and husband Greg, and Charlotte Vincent and husband Tom; her sister, Judy Horn; her grandchildren, Joshua Niemann, Nick Niemann and wife Desirae, Heath Harwood and wife Kristy, Haden Harwood and wife Hadleigh, Joe Vincent and wife Sarah, Mike Vincent and wife Beth, Dan Vincent and wife Tilly, and Becky Burgess and husband Alan; 13 great-grandchildren; her nephew, Waylon Horn and wife Dottie; her nieces, Casey Chastain and husband Nick, Tracy Folks and husband Chris, and Pam Johnson; along with many other family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Honorary Pallbearers include Melba's grandsons, Joshua Niemann, Nick Niemann, Heath Harwood, Haden Harwood, Joe Vincent, Mike Vincent, and Dan Vincent.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 11 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N 12th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901. A graveside service will take place on Friday, June 12 at 10:00am at Fort Smith National Cemetery, 522 Garland Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901.