Mary Valjean Slatton Echols (Updated)
Mary Valjean Slatton Echols, age 85, of Delight, Arkansas, passed peacefully from this life, leaving behind a legacy of education, strength, and devotion to her family and faith.
Valjean was born on February 25, 1940, in Delight, Arkansas, to Jack Slatton and Haze Slatton Parks. She married the love of her life, William Rayburn Echols, on May 26, 1967. Together they shared a beautiful life.
A proud graduate of Delight High School in 1958, she continued her education at Henderson State University, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology—a remarkable achievement for a woman from a small school with few science classes. She was admired deeply for this dedication and intelligence, particularly by her loved ones.
Valjean was a devout Christian and a faithful member of her church community. She poured her knowledge and compassion into her career as an educator, teaching in several Arkansas schools including Walnut Ridge High School, Pine Bluff High School, and Hope Public Schools.
Valjean enjoyed a life filled with hobbies and interests. As a child, she loved playing basketball, baseball/softball, and swimming. In her adult life, she and Rayburn spent many happy days fishing and camping, often catching crappies together in their younger years. She also loved horse racing, visiting casinos, and raising cattle, cats, and dogs throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, her brother Leon Slatton, sister Martha Slatton Funderburk, and her niece, Necole Funderburk.
She is survived by her devoted nephews and nieces, Mark (Stacie) Slatton of Petal, Mississippi, William E. Echols, Bran (Jennifer) Echols of Delight, AR, Kevin Funderburk of Delight, AR, Brother-in-law Vearl Funderburk.
Graveside service will be Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 10AM, at Delight Cemetery.
Services will be officiated by Pastor Brother Larry Miller.
She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.