of Little Rock, AR
December 12, 1960 - January 30, 2017
Melanie Ruth Carlson departed this life unexpectedly on January 30, 2017. She was born on December 12, 1960 in Memphis, TN. and was raised in Crawfordsville, AR. She attended high school at St. Mary's Episcopal School in Memphis where she was a star athlete in basketball, volleyball, and softball. Melanie attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX and then the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with a major in history. She was a proud member of the Delta Delta Delta Sorority and loyally attended an annual reunion with her ''Fab 5'' sisters since graduation. She attended law school at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she was a member of the law review.
Melanie was admitted to the bar in 1987, and she began her career as a judicial clerk for Judge Judith Rogers. She served as Judge Roger's clerk at the Arkansas Court of Appeals starting in 1989, and then went on to clerk for Judge John Jennings, Judge Terry Crabtree, and Judge Sarah Heffley. In 2009, Melanie began clerking for Justice Courtney Goodson, first at the Court of Appeals and then at the Arkansas Supreme Court, where she was employed at the time of her death. She was a dedicated and devoted law clerk, whose contributions to the court and to the pursuit of justice will be sorely missed. In her honor, the offices of the state Supreme Court will be closed for a period of one week.
Melanie was an avid tennis player participating in the United States Tennis Association where she performed as a 4.0 player. She also enjoyed gardening, bird watching and hiking. She was a gentle soul whose brilliant intellect made her an engaging person to be around. So many hearts are wounded by her sudden passing and she will be fondly remembered by them all.
She is survived by her parents, Ralph and Dixie Carlson; her sister, Christie (Keith); her brothers Bubba (Rhonda) and Mark (Kathy); her nieces and nephews who she loved dearly, Adam (Abbie) Carlson, Gibby Lou Carlson, Becca (Douglas) Luetjen, Stuart Carlson, Gavin Carlson, Lindsay (Joey) Schafer, Rose Schafer, Dixie Schafer, Erik Carlson (Kelli), .Emma Carlson, Maddie Lynn Carlson, and Zac Carlson; her beloved friend, Kathy Phillips; and her four dogs, Jack, Lili, Toby and Andy.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at the Trinity In The Fields Anglican Church, 100 East Military, Marion, AR. The funeral is scheduled for 2:00 pm followed by the Internment at Crittenden Memorial Park.
Memorial gifts can be designated to the Delta Delta Delta Chapter House project at the University of Arkansas, 300 University House, One University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701 or to the Pulaski County Humane Society, warmhearts.org.
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38 Condolence(s)
DeeDee Keller West
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Mr. Ralph, Ms. Dixie and family,
I have kept you all in my prayers during this time of grief and at such an unexpected loss. I have many fond memories of Melanie and know she will be missed by so many.
DeeDee Keller West
Maxie and Madelyn Keith
Monday, February 6, 2017
Ralph, Dixie and all of Melanie's loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. Asking for God's Peace in your lives during this time.
Jean
Sunday, February 5, 2017
To Mr.& Ms. Carlson, Christie and Bubba! My heart is broken for you.
Jean Seaton Brown
Arthur Paul Bowen
Thursday, February 2, 2017
I was shocked and dismayed to learn of Melanie's passing. While I can't say that I knew her all that well, I certainly enjoyed my visits with her during which we typically discussed our mutual love of tennis and other sports. She was a kind and gentle soul who always went out of her way to be nice to me whenever we happened to sharing the same space and oxygen. She will certainly be missed by her many friends and colleagues.
Cynthia Chiles
Thursday, February 2, 2017
My heart goes out to Melanies parents, family and friends. May you be able to find peace, guidance and meaning thru this so sad time. Melanie was one of my first friends at The University of Arkansas. I cherish the wonderful memories and was so glad I was able to see her at the Tri Delta reunion in Dallas. I love you Mel.
Paula LaRue Wilkinson
Thursday, February 2, 2017
Melanie lives in my heart as a cute 6th grader with long hair, a twinkle in her eye, and an amused smile.
My parents, Margaret and Wayne, loved Ralph and Dixie. Hugs and prayers to the family and to Melanie's current friends and co workers.
Vicki McNeill
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
My memories of Melanie are that she was always smiling, happy and genuine. She was friendly and caring, interested in others and their well being.She will be sorely missed. I'm truly sorry for your loss.
AJ and Cynthia Kelly
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
To Melanie's Family and the friends she left behind:
You are in our thoughts and prayers. You have all of our sympathies at this difficult and unexpected time. We have many fond memories of Melanie as a tennis player, as an excellent lawyer and top-notch law clerk. We already miss her.
Mary Ann Marshall
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
I got to know Melanie through tennis. She was such a wonderful person. I shared her love of our special "babies" (dogs for Melanie and cats for me). I had lost touch with her since I no longer play tennis, but I know that I could have called her at any time and it would have been like that was never a break. When I got the call on Monday about this tragedy, I couldn't believe it. She always had such a kind personality to all around her. Please know that your family, your fur-babies, and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Mel, go for an ac e on Heaven's Stadium Court!
Annette Scogin
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
What a beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with all those lives she touched .
Karen Johnson
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Many thoughts and prayers follow for Melanie, her family and her many friends. She will be missed by all. I will always remember her as a kind soul that made others laugh. She lived life to the fullest.
Kathy Spencer
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Melanie was such a vibrant, brilliant person. She was a joy to work with at the Court of Appeals, and I am so glad I got to know her. This is a terrible loss, and I am keeping her and her family in my prayers.
Max / LaJuan Herron
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Ralph and Dixie I am so so sorry to here of your loss Just can't amagine what you are going through.Such a talented person,know how proud you must be.I pray God will wrap his arms around you both and give you peace.Love in Christ Max and LaJuan
Jenny Garrison Barber
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
So sorry to hear this, Mr. and Mrs. Carlson and family.
Kellye Brown Carter
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
So very sorry to hear this. Melanie was like a big sister to me when I was a young girl. I have great memories of swimming and playing tennis with her. RIL Melanie
Patricia Lamar
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
You will be greatly missed.
Gina Barron Huck
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
From the day Melanie started at St. Mary's she lit up the room with her friendly spirit and engaging smile. I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless.
Janet Daniel Sorrell
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Ralph and Dixie Carlson and family, so sorry for your loss, it was so sudden, my heart is broken for your family. Melanie was so talented and smart, she will be missed by many. You will be in our prayers. Janet Sorrell and family
Alma Jimenez
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
You have made a lasting impression on me and I see what God gives us in this world that is truely exceptional in life.
Jan Buckley Ocker
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Many warm memories of my Tri Delta sister, Melanie. Many heartfelt prayers for all those who loved her.
Kay Douglass
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
No words can describe how sorry I am for Melanie's family and all her close friends. Although it is difficult to see beyond the shock and sorrow, looking back at all the beautiful memories will begin to comfort you and bring you joy. Her light will continue to shine upon all who loved her and she will undoubtedly lead the way when you re-connect again one day. Melanie accomplished so much in her life, perhaps God graduated her early. Maybe she has work to do up in the heavens. One thing is for certain, she is one amazing angel and God wanted her home. May you all feel her spirit and may it always warm your hearts.
Warmest Regards,
Kay Douglass
Delta Delta Delta
💙
Mike Spencer
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Aw, Mel. I miss you, kid.
Lawrie Rash
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Healing thoughts and prayers for Melanie's friends and family.
Gayle Ulmer
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
My thoughts and prayers for the family and KP.
dara mauldin
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
You were such a "Special" and Very Loved person. I will always remember just sitting and talking with you for long periods of time about anything. You could and did do just about everything others only Dream of with all your Talents. You knew a lot about Everything. I also shared in your passion for your love of your "Fur Babies"... You will be Sorely be MISSED by ALL that knew you! You were such a Divine Creation of the Lord and there will Never be another Mel......Delta Love In the Bonds Rest Peacefully my Sister
Sue ellen Fincher
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Prayers to your family. I loved your daughter. She was a wonderful, kind loving soul. I saw her every 4 weeks for a color and cut and dinner. I will miss her dearly. She was my friend too. It's so hard to believe she's in heaven now. we will miss her dearly.
Glenda Gardner Peterson
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
My heart is broken to hear of your loss. Please know the entire family is in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Melanie. Remembering the old days of basketball at Holy Cross.
Beth Mayhall Sherr
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
So blessed to have known Melanie in high school at St Mary's. My thoughts and prayers with her family.
Bill & Sharon Carter
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Dearest Aunt Kathy and Melanie's family, we grieve for your loss and pray Gods mercy and love for all. God speed Melanie into his loving arms. 💔
Leslie Minelli
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
My prayers go out to all her Family and her beloved friend Kathy.
Deanna Garretson
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
I knew Melanie through tennis. She leaves behind many people who met her and thought highly of her through tennis. My heart goes out to her family. Deanna Garretson
Carol Fuhrman Shinall
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Melanie was a great friend and a wonderful Tri Delta sister. Thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Carol Fuhrman Shinall
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Melanie was a great friend and a wonderful Tri Delta sister. Thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.
Jeanne T. Cross
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
So incredibly sorry for your loss. I attended SMS with Melanie and cannot conceive of your sorrow. May God comfort you.
Michele Gatewood
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
My deepest condolences to all
Cindy Moudy Crowl
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I cherish the memories of a childhood friendship that blossomed at Holy Cross. Melanie was a shinning star as a child and grew into a bright light. She will be missed by many.
Kathy and Kelly
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends.
Robin Rush Weaver
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
My heart is broken to hear of your loss. Please know the entire family is in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace sweet Melanie. From your old buddy at Holy Cross. We had some great times and made lifelong memories.