Mavis Jesse Miles McHughes Dobbyn's Obituary
Mavis Jesse Miles McHughes Dobbyn passed peacefully from this life to eternal life, on March 8, 2023, at Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She was 95. Mavis was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and an enduring friend to many everywhere.
Mavis was born September 15, 1927, in Ferndale, Arkansas, the youngest daughter of Roberta “Bertie” Elnora Miles and Jesse Brown Miles, Jr.
The former Pulaski County Doe Branch Post Office, which became her childhood home, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Mavis graduated Valedictorian from Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1945. Seven days later she married her childhood sweetheart, Cheney Gann McHughes. They grew up one mile from one another and rode on the county school bus together. They were happily married for 54 years before his death in 1999.
Raised in a Christian home, Mavis was active in Christian work in the churches she and Cheney attended. Whether it be teaching Sunday School, or being a Bible Study Fellowship leader, Mavis’s priority was her Christian faith. Her Bible is filled with comments and notes from her lifelong dedication to studying the Scriptures. She and Cheney traveled to the Holy Land and were baptized in the Jordan River. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, El Dorado, Arkansas. Mavis leaves a legacy of faith, teaching her family the importance of what is good, what is true, and what is beautiful.
Moving to El Dorado in 1946, as a devoted wife and mother, Mavis was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Y-Teen (YWCA) leader, and participated in her daughters’ activities at school and in the community. She took her daughters to piano lessons early mornings before school. Because of her encouragement, they both continued to share their expertise in music. She leaves a legacy of commitment to family.
Mavis had the gift of hospitality and was also an extraordinary cook. Her famous oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies were a treat for the many gatherings she hosted for students, church, neighbors, and family friends. Many of her recipes have been passed down through the generations. Relationships were always important to Mavis. She taught her daughters to reach out to others and speak with wise words. She leaves a legacy of generosity and friendship.
An accomplished clothes and drapery seamstress, she sewed all her daughters’ clothes, even in their college years. She leaves a legacy of diligence and determination.
Mavis and Cheney actively participated in bowling leagues, square dance clubs, and most importantly, ballroom dancing. She danced with Lawrence Welk on the Lawrence Welk program in 1972. They followed the Russ Morgan Orchestra Dance and Travel Club for many years, around the country and on cruises around the world. She leaves a legacy of fun and laughter.
Mavis was an dedicated Razorback fan, having played basketball in high school. She attended most Razorback games, whether it was football, men’s and women’s basketball, or men’s baseball. The family truck proudly displayed a Lady Razorbacks sticker on the back window. For many years, she took up tickets at the games. She also worked on the election board. She leaves a legacy of community service.
She and Cheney stayed close to nature. For most of their adult life, they camped or lodged at Brady Mountain on Lake Ouachita, near Hot Springs, Arkansas, and their family grew up boating, fishing, and skiing together with many family friends. They were also avid bird watchers. She leaves a legacy of wonderment about God’s creation.
In 2003, Mavis married Douglas Eugene Dobbyn. When they were not traveling, they spent much of their time visiting shut-ins and encouraging people in hard times before his death in 2018. How many Terra Studios bluebirds of happiness she and Doug gave to people in every circumstance of life are too numerous to count. They attended Huntsville United Methodist Church and the Fayetteville Order of the Eastern Star. She leaves a legacy of hope and compassion.
Mavis was proud and supportive of her two daughters, six grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren. She leaves a legacy of love.
She is preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Mary Cloud and Margaret Lester, and two brothers, Roy Miles and Carl Miles.
She is survived by two daughters, Gannalyn Sue Morris of Fayetteville; and Mary Elizabeth (Liz) Decker, and husband, Gary Decker of Tulsa, Oklahoma;
Six grandchildren, Elizabeth and husband Micah Hale, John Morris and wife Andrea, and Rachel and husband Bobby Chamberlain of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Matthew Morris and wife Tiffany of Idaho Springs, Colorado; Garrett Decker and wife Samantha, and Spencer Decker and wife Amy of Tulsa, Oklahoma;
And sixteen great-grandchildren, Grant Decker, Carter Morris, Emily Morris, Clara Decker, Sarah Beth Hale, Rebekah Hale, Maggie Jane Decker, Stephen Hale, Hannah Hale, James Decker, Geoffrey Decker, Olivia Chamberlain, Henry Decker, Abigail Chamberlain, Will Chamberlain, and Irie Morris, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Saturday March 11, 2023, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Family Life Center, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Burial will follow at the Spring Valley Cemetery, Ferndale, Arkansas under the direction of Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville.
Pallbearers are Garrett Decker, John Morris, Spencer Decker, Matthew Morris, Micah Hale, and Bobby Chamberlain,
Honorary pallbearers are Grant Decker, Carter Morris, Stephen Hale, James Decker, Geoffrey Decker, Henry Decker, and Will Chamberlain.
Thank you to all the staff of Butterfield Trail Village Health Care for your dedication, care, and love.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Butterfield Trail Village Foundation, “in memory of Mavis Dobbyn for the Health Care Center Fund.” Butterfield Trail Village
Attn: Riki Stamps, 1923 E. Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville, AR 72703.
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