Atha Faye Mahan

Atha Faye Ross Mahan of Sparkman went to the loving arms of God on Friday, Aug. 20, 2010. She was the beloved wife of Reece Mahan and the adored daughter of Homer and Geneva Ross, all preceded her in death. She was born July 29, 1932 at Sheridan, Ark. She is survived by loving daughters Barbara Givens and Peggy (Jimmy) Abbott of Sparkman, adoring grandchildren Mark Givens of El Dorado, Jason and Stephanie Givens of Hot Springs, Chris and Shanna Abbott of Camden, and Emily Abbott of Little Rock, great-grandchildren Reece, Payne, Presley, Ava, Briley, and Gavin and her special "sons" David Dillard of Holly Springs, Wayne Nix of Camden and dear friend Bill Ferns who visited her every Sunday and gifted her with roses and a newspaper each time. She was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church, where in her young years she taught Sunday School and loved teaching Bible School. She was adamant that her girls be in church and Sunday School. She began working publicly in her late 20's and advanced to a supervisory position wherever she was employed. She was so trustworthy that you could give her cash and 10 years later she would still have every dollar for you. She was dedicated Treasurer of Oak Grove Cemetery for many years, even until her recent illness. She was fun loving and as a young mother delighted in playing games and having fun with her girls. She was a gifted seamstress and did beautiful crochet. She was an avid Razorback fan. She loved people and had a sincere interest in their lives. Daddy said that she could know a person's life story within 20 minutes of meeting them. Her grandchildren were one of her greatest sources of pleasure and she wasn't the least bit hesitant to boast that all four are college graduates. Her family was the focus of her life. As she struggled during the last days of her life, we knew even more that her heart and mind were on Heaven. It is our sorrow to lose her from this life, but our joy to know that she is enjoying life eternal with her loved ones and her loving Savior, Jesus Christ. At last, she is home. Special thanks to her "family" at Silver Oaks, Ouachita County Medical Center and OCMC Hospice who lovingly cared for her. Dr. Joe DeLuca, Dr. Stephen Tabe, and Dr. Mirfat Bird for the tender, respectful care provided her. She loved you all. Pallbearers are Wayne Nix, Jamie Calhoun, Glen Manning, Steve Murry, Johnny Summers, John Jones, Stan Quarles, and Bill Ferns. Honorary pallbearers are Jo Ann Steelman and C.C. McAllister. The family will receive friends Sunday Aug. 22 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Monday Aug. 23, 2010 at Holly Springs Baptist Church with Pastor David Dillard and Bro. Chris Kuhn officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Oak Grove Cemetery, C/O Kay Howard, 6 Dallas 260, Sparkman, Ark., 71763. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.com.