Melba Vaughan

Melba Bonner Vaughan, passed from this life peacefully, surrounded by family, on Thursday, January 25th. Born in the small town of Quinton, Oklahoma to George Washington Wilson and Thelma Wilson where she grew up with her adoring sister Ahmo and brother Raymond. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a true servant spirit and loved to help and support everyone. She was a 50+ year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, where she made wonderful memories and had so many friends. Her life was full of travel and adventure but she did find time to work at some interesting jobs from a nanny, just out of school, and then ending her full-time career with Riverside Furniture for over 27 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Layne Bonner who she was married to for over 20 years, also preceded by her husband John Leo Vaughan who she was married to for 20 years, along with her parents and siblings.

She leaves behind her husband James Albright, son Alan Bonner of London, Arkansas, daughters Jan Dyer and her husband Bobby of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Paula Bonner of Fayetteville, Arkansas. As well as the “lights of her life” her grandchildren, Mandi Collyar (husband Michael), BJ Dyer, Keith Ingram (wife Brittany), Thomas Bonner, Nick Dyer (wife April), Josh Ingram and Rachel Martin (husband James). Listed in age order with a beautiful granddaughter at the beginning and end. Also, great grandchildren, Makayla, Matthias, Trinity, Ariah, Ralph, Reese and Korbin. She also leaves many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

Per her wishes, there will be a private family burial. You are invited to celebrate her amazing life with family and friends on Tuesday, January 30th at Edward Funeral Home, 201 N. 12th Street, Fort Smith, from 3:00-5:00 PM.