Patricia Anne Selph's Obituary
Patricia Anne Selph, 80 of West Fork, AR passed away Sunday, February 1, 2026 in Fayetteville, AR. She was born August 23,1945 in Memphis, TN to Aubrey and Robbie Schnebly. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, John Gail Selph.
Pat, or Patricia when one of her children or grandchildren was trying to get her attention, grew up in Bald Knob, Arkansas. She attended Bald Knob Schools until the 7th grade when her family moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas. There she attended Lakeside Schools where she was not only a standout in the classroom, but also on the basketball court. She would never brag about it, but before the three-point line, Pat was the top scorer for the Lakeside Rams. After graduating high school in 1963, Pat was undecided about her future. Over the summer she began working at a dress shop in Hot Springs, but, on a whim, she decided to attend Southern State University in Magnolia, Arkansas the week before classes began. Here, she met the love of her life, John Gail, on a blind date. Before saying yes to the date, she needed to be reassured and asked, “Is he over six foot?” They were married June 4, 1966 and their marriage lasted 54 years. During that time they shared a lot of love and life. She graduated from Southern State in 1967 with a Bachelor Degree in Education. Pat was an educator for 34 years where she taught Physical Education and Health at Sparkman Public Schools, Malvern Public Schools, and West Fork Public Schools. During her time in education, Pat was a cheer coach, a basketball coach, and pioneered many traditions that can still be seen at West Fork Schools today. She was the queen of all things spirit. The week of homecoming or colors day, you could find her dressed up for spirit days, planning a pep rally, and decorating the gym. Although to her students she was Mrs. Selph, her greatest title was mom and meme. She and John raised three children who gave them 13 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. Pat loved to read, watch Hallmark movies, get her nails done, chase her kids and grandkids all over the place, watch ballgames, play card and board games, and spend time with the people she loved. She was an active member of First Baptist Church West Fork where she faithfully served the Lord. She loved the Lord and her family until her dying day.
She is survived by one brother, Larry Joe Schnebly and wife Teresa of Hot Springs, AR, and niece, Kristin Dunn of Hot Springs, AR, three children, Tori Chambers and husband Casey of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rodney Selph and wife Johna of West Fork, and Kasey Helder and husband Nolan of Prairie Grove, AR, thirteen grandchildren, Kaden Orr and husband Reed, Taylor Newkirk and husband Hunter, Ashley Chambers, McKenzie Vermillion and husband Zebulon, Carson Chambers and wife Evelyn, Morgan Chambers, Kane Helder, Ruthie Helder, Gunner Selph, Ellie Helder, Ava Selph, Henry Helder and Alana Helder; and six great grandchildren, Ridley and Ryat Orr, Aspen, Kolby and Levi Newkirk, and Odette Vermillion.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 6th from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home Chapel in Fayetteville. A Celebration of Life will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 7th at West Fork First Baptist Church, 246 N. Centennial Ave, West Fork, AR 72774. Her final resting place will be at the West Fork Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
To sign the online guest book please visit https://www.bernafuneralhomes.com
What’s your fondest memory of Patricia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patricia?
Share a story where Patricia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patricia you’ll never forget.
How did Patricia make you smile?
