Melissa Jean Brickell

Melissa Jean Brickell, 59 of Jonesboro, departed life on Saturday April 13, 201, at UAMS Hospital in Little Rock. She was born Nov. 4, 1953, in Caraway to the late James Cecil and Gladys Jane Mangrum Brickell. She was a retired teacher of over 25 years and a Christian. Melissa enjoyed being outside and camping was one of her favorite activities. Her favorite location for camping was Blanchard Springs where she regularly visited since a young child. She was a member of the Arkansas Archeological Society. Melissa taught in the special education department at Highland High School for eight years at the time of her retirement. Prior to that, she taught at East Poinsett County School and Caraway Elementary School, where she began her teaching career.

She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Jean Wood of Jonesboro; a son, Dustin Lee Brickell of Jonesboro; a brother, Tim Wyman Brickell of Jonesboro; a sister; Teresa Brickell McFarlin and husband Bob of Hot Springs; two nephews, Timothy "TJ" Brickell and fiancee Misty Kezior of Little Rock, James "Jarrett" McFarlin of Hot Springs; two nieces, Crystal McFarlin Marcussen and husband Andrew of Little Rock and Katherine "Katie" McFarlin Vasilescu and husband Avi of Portage, Wis.; two great-nieces, Gabriella "Ella" Vasilescu and Myla Brooke Brickell; two great nephews, Edward Alexander "Alex" Vasilescu and Jesse James Brickell; two aunts, Barbara Mangrum Lamb and husband Bill and Joann Mangrum Mounce, both of Jonesboro, and many cousins and numerous friends.

A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday April 16, at the Caraway Cemetery with Eddie Dunigan officiating. Burial followed under the direction of Gregg Funeral Home of Caraway.

A celebration of her life followed at the Caraway Masonic Lodge.

Honored to serve as pallbearers were Dustin Brickell, TJ Brickell, Jarrett McFarlin, Bob McFarlin and Andrew Marcussen. Honorary pallbearers include the caring staff of UAMS MIRT and Cancer Institute and Palliative care team as well as NEA Baptist Surgical Hospital Infusion Lab.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the American Red Cross.

Online condolences may be sent to www.ncnabbfuneralhomes.com.