It is with shattered hearts and profound sorrow that the family and community of Scranton, Arkansas mourn the loss of Maddie J. Arthur, age 17, who passed away in a tragic car accident on Friday, May 30, 2025, alongside her beloved sister, Mackenzie. Maddie was born on February 5, 2008, in Clarksville, Arkansas, and was a vibrant young woman with a bright future ahead of her.
Maddie was preparing to begin her senior year at Scranton High School, where she was a standout student, athlete, and leader. She was widely known for her passion, her kindness, and the positive energy she brought to everything she did. A true leader among her peers, Maddie was recently chosen to serve as president of the Scranton FFA chapter for the 2025-2026 school year.
Her love for animals and agriculture was unmatched, and she had proudly shown several different breeds over the years. Through FFA, she developed deep friendships and cultivated a spirit of responsibility, leadership, and commitment.
Athletically, Maddie was a dedicated member of both the basketball and golf teams at Scranton High School. She gave her all on and off the court and field, earning the respect of her teammates and coaches alike. Her competitive spirit was always tempered with good sportsmanship, and she took pride in representing her school and community.
Maddie was also deeply rooted in her faith and active in her youth group at First Baptist Church in Scranton, where she found strength, fellowship, and purpose. She was always eager to lend a helping hand, participate in service projects, and share her light with those around her.
In addition to her school and church involvement, Maddie was also a hard-working young woman who held a job at Walmart in Paris. Whether she was stocking shelves or assisting customers, she approached her work with responsibility and integrity, setting an example of maturity far beyond her years.
Those who knew Maddie will remember her as a joyful, adventurous spirit who loved the outdoors. She found peace and happiness in hunting, fishing, hiking, and simply spending time in nature. Her love for the natural world was a reflection of her free spirit and appreciation for life’s simple, beautiful moments.
Maddie is preceded in death by her great-grandparents: Elmo and Louise Cox, Buddy and Delores Arthur, and Mildred and Eugene Tillman.
She is survived by her loving parents, J. Arthur and Brittney (Cox) Arthur of Scranton; her cherished younger brother, Jase D. Arthur, who adored his big sister; and her grandparents, Pat Arthur and Stan Mitchusson of Clarksville, John and Billie Arthur of Clarksville, and Jim and Kathy Wagoner of Van Buren. She also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and extended family members, all of whom were touched by her vibrant life.
A memorial service to celebrate Maddie’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the Scranton High School Gymnasium, officiated by Rev. Colby Hankins. Arrangements are under the compassionate care of Roller Funeral Home in Paris.
As the community gathers to remember and honor Maddie, we hold her family close in our hearts. Her time with us was far too short, but her impact will be felt forever. May her memory be a blessing, and may her joyful spirit live on in all who knew and loved her.
