Relda Markham Mason

Relda Faye Markham Mason, 75, departed this earthly life to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, November 5, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents H.E. & Ollie Markham and infant sister Alzie. A lifelong resident of Texarkana, she graduated from Texas High School and earned her bachelor degree in Education from East Texas State University, Commerce. Relda taught reading and social studies in the Liberty-Eylau School District for thirty-three years.

Relda was many things to many people. She was a teacher to so many, in the classroom and outside it, with a lifelong passion for education like her parents. Relda loved to travel with friends and family, and cherished the experiences she shared with her children and grandchildren. She was a second generation breast cancer survivor, with a determination to beat it on the day of her diagnosis. Throughout that journey, Relda always had a smile on her face and a kind word to share. She always valued the friendships she shared for many years, but she also never met a stranger. Relda’s kindness to all those around her is difficult to rival, and her laughter will be greatly missed. All those who knew her would agree, that despite the challenge she may be facing, she never lost her positive spirit and faith in the Lord.

Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Jack H. Cooper of Texarkana; two daughters and son-in-law, Jana Tibbit and Lana and Keith Akin of Texarkana; grandsons and granddaughter-in-law, David and Laura Orr of Texarkana, John Markham Tibbit of Texarkana, and Matthew Orr of Little Rock, AR; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Jillian and Scott Yant of Little Rock, AR; and step-granddaughter, Jennifer Cummings and three step great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be 2:00 PM today with services to follow at 3 p.m. at East Funeral Home Downtown. In lieu of flowers, Relda requested donations to be made to Eylau United Methodist Church, 5214 US 59 South, Texarkana, TX 75501 or Liberty-Eylau Educational Foundation, 2901 Leopard Drive, Texarkana, Texas.

Burial will be in Chapelwood Memorial Gardens under the direction of East Funeral Home - Downtown

Online tributes may be made at www.eastfuneralhomes.com.