Aretta Irene Melvin

Aretta Irene Melvin, 84, of Decatur, Ark., died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, at Bradford House in Bentonville, Ark. She was born on Dec. 25, 1927, in Johnston City, Ill., to Samuel Lee Jackson and Della Mae Land Jackson. She married Harry Melvin Jr. in 1945. She co-pastored with her husband for 55 years. Aretta won several ribbons nationwide for Solo Vocals. She was an accomplished painter and noted Bible teacher. They moved to Arkansas in 1994 and were Care Pastors at the Bella Vista Assembly of God Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Pastor Harry Melvin Jr.; brother, Manuel Lee Jackson; sisters, Nettie Mae, Edith Deason, Ruby Trafficanto, Juanita Maddox and Stella Jackson. She is survived by son, Harry Roland Melvin and wife Cathy of West Frankfort, Ill.; daughter, Aretta Joy Tharp and husband, Robert of Decatur, Ark.; six grandchildren, Lena Joy Cornell, C.J. Tharp, Sohn W. Melvin, Kimberly Cross, Forrest W. Tharp, Ross J. Tharp and their spouses; 12 great-grandchildren and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at 11 a.m. with Funeral Services at 1 p.m. at Parker Reedy Funeral Home, West Frankfort, Ill., with Burial in East Fork Cemetery in West Frankfort, Illinois. A Memorial Service will be held in Bella Vista, Ark., at a later date. Local Arrangements were by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark.