of Paris, AR
April 15, 1919 - November 6, 2021
Mabel Melbalene Serpa, 102, of Paris, Arkansas passed away on Saturday, November 6, 2021 in Paris. She was born on April 15, 1919 in Magazine, Arkansas to her parents Bethel and Mae (Ellington) Jordan.
Mabel began her education in a one-room schoolhouse in Barnhill, Arkansas until the fourth grade when Barnhill School was consolidated with Magazine Schools. Mabel was the last surviving member of her graduating class of 1937. After graduating, Mabel taught Kindergarten, worked for the Department of Human Services, and served the late Superintendent of the Paris School System, W.S. Morgan.
In 1943 Mabel started her Federal Civil Service career in the Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, California. She then transferred to Sacramento, California and continued her Civil Service working at the Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Indian Affairs as well as the Sacramento Army Depot from which she retired in 1969 from the position of Chief of the Accounting Branch of the Comptroller's Directorate. The position necessitated that she attend meetings at the Department of Army Finance Offices in Arlington, Virginia, and the Army Finance Center in Fort Benjamin Harrison, Evansville, Virginia. During one year's time she attended scheduled meetings for six months traveling to the Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania for the purpose of assisting in rewriting of the Army Finance Regulations.
After retiring in 1969, Mabel took a real estate course at a local University in Sacramento, California, which started another 25-year career. Mabel worked with a company that only built shopping centers, and at the time was building a center in Oahu, Hawaii, which provided her the opportunity to visit all of the islands and take care of any residential requirements for the new center.
Mabel was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Paris. In 1950 Mabel was initiated into Alpha Tau Chapter of Delta Chi Sigma Sorority International. Mabel served all of the chapter offices and served as chapter president many times. Mabel also served as California State President and held three International positions before returning to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas in September 1995. Mabel also served as President of the Sacramento Women's Club.
Mabel was preceded in death by her first husband Selvin Turner and her second husband Walt Serpa, two sisters Arweila Davidson and Anita McGrath, and two brothers Thurman Jordan and Donald Jordan. She is survived by a daughter Marcia Serpa-Garcia, One sister Dorothy Rhinehart, a granddaughter Stephanie Philipopsoulos, three great-grandchildren Jessie, Justin and Niki Philipopsoulos all of San Mateo, CA, and many nieces and nephews. Among them are Sharon Bunting of Maumelle, Leslie Benge and Sandy Maddox of Paris, Lindsey Robertson of Benton, Nic Allen of Washington, and Pam Man of Washington.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m., on Monday, November 8, 2021 at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris.
Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris with burial to follow in Ellington Cemetery under the direction of Roller Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/paris
Pallbearers will be Mike Core, Chris Benge, Laine Harris, Austin Maddox, Gene Davis and Mark Jordan.
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14 Condolence(s)
Mary Powell
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. Mabel was a joy in my life. I loved her very much. She was like a second mom to me.
Ned & Cathy Irving
Tuesday, November 9, 2021
Mabel was special to us during our time in Hot Springs Village. She was both fun and strong of character. Mabel and Cathy had birthdays that were close together, and she loved to call the 2 of them twins, said with a hearty chuckle each time! Rest in peace, dear Mable. We shall miss you!!!
Ned & Cathy Irving
Jewell white
Monday, November 8, 2021
Love and prayers to Miss Mabel’s family.
I too am saddened by her passing she was a delightful person to know and visit with. I am thankful I had the privilege to know her. God bless her family with love and peace. â¤ï¸ðŸ™ðŸ½
Holly
Monday, November 8, 2021
Mabel was an amazing woman that unexpectedly entered our lives. We enjoyed our talks with her and hearing the stories of her travels. We were blessed to know her. We pray for peace and comfort for her and her family.
Michelle Rowe
Monday, November 8, 2021
Rest in love Ms. Mabel. You will be missed here on earth while you are in the arms of God.
Brenda & Alton Sims
Sunday, November 7, 2021
We are sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Phyllis Brown
Sunday, November 7, 2021
Mabel was a loving and wonderful person and my Prayers go out to the family that God comfort each and every one Mabel will truly be missed.
Michelle Owens
Sunday, November 7, 2021
May God be with you special lady!
Louise cox
Sunday, November 7, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I loved that woman & I'll cherish the memories of her.
Julie Varnell
Sunday, November 7, 2021
I am so sad to hear of the passing of Miss Mabel. She was such a delightful lady and so full of life! I will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
LindsEy Carter
Sunday, November 7, 2021
What a beautiful soul Mabel was. I enjoyed visiting with her in the salon at the nursing home and talking about my Grandpa Elton’s family. She was a delight to be around and always had such a positive outlook. My condolences go to the family.
Teresa Henson Schluterman
Sunday, November 7, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Mabel passing away. Dorothy and her family are in my thoughts and prayers. My girls and I loved her so. She always had such interesting and fun stories to tell. Her life and adventures was so exciting. She was such a sweet and happy lady. She will be greatly missed. Andy, Teresa and Katelyn Schluterman, Krista Meador
Millissia Jones
Saturday, November 6, 2021
I am sadden by the news of Miss Mabel death. She was so spunky!! I'm so glad I got to know her through church. Prayers for the family!
Darlene Friddle Becker
Saturday, November 6, 2021
So sorrow for the loss of your loved one the family will be in my thoughts & prayers.