Melissa "Mitzi" Buckles

Melissa “Mitzi” Lynn Buckles , 61, of Maumelle, AR, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones, and she went home to be with the Lord. She was born on December 19, 1964, and attended school at Fountain Lake and Monticello. She grew up in Hot Springs and began working at an early age at her grandfather’s shoe store.

While we mourn her loss here on Earth, we also find comfort in knowing she is at peace and reunited with those who went before her, including her mother, Phyllis Davis Spahn; her fathers, Harold Parsons and Don Magby; Son-in-law, Clayton Clenney; and her first husband, Greg Kincannon.

Melissa’s greatest joy in life was her family. She loved her children and grandchildren more than life itself and treasured every moment spent with them. She had a deep love for the beach and found peace and happiness there. Melissa also adored her eight granddogs, who brought her endless joy.

Her greatest accomplishments and blessings were her salvation, her children, and her grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Kacie Stephens (Kevin), and her son, Michael Kincannon (Ashley); her grandchildren, Gracie Clenney, Jake Clenney, Dylan Stephens, Connor Stephens, Emily Kincannon, Laura Kincannon, and Greg Kincannon; great grandson, Campbell Stephens; her sisters, Shari Curtis, Teri Gilmore, Lisa Wilson (Rusty), and Tiffany Brooks; her brothers, Chris Geeo (Heather) and Bryan Hughbanks (Dana); along with a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 31st, 2025, at Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel in Hot Springs from 10:00am - 11:00am. Funeral service will follow at 11:00am on December 31st, 2025.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers include Michael Kincannon, Greg Kincannon, Jake Clenney, Kevin Stephens, Josh Kincannon, Connor Stephens, Dylan Stephens, Gavin Geeo, Austin Geeo, Justin Gilmore, BJ Gilmore, Chad Veazey, Jeisen Strickland, and Taylor DeGrasse.

Honorary pallbearers include Dr. Issam Makhoul, Dr. Green, the late Clayton Clenney, and the entire CARTI staff—including nurses, receptionists, janitors, wheelchair team, and financial team—each of whom made a difference in Melissa’s life and care.

In lieu of flowers, Melissa personally requested that dog treats be given in her memory, to honor the special love she had for her eight granddogs.