Mauria Aspell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mauria Klugh Jackson Aspell, a cherished soul who graced this world with her kindness, strength, boundless love, glorious smile and contagious laughter. Mauria departed this life on January 10th, 2025 in her home, surrounded by the warmth of her family and the enduring love she so generously gave.
Born on May 25, 1946 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Mauria lived a magnificent life full of purpose, dedication, and passion. She was the beloved daughter of Dr. Haynes G. Jackson, Sr. and Eleanor Klugh Jackson, step-daughter of Jamie Jackson and the devoted sister of Dr. Haynes G. Jackson, Jr. (Susan), Walter N. Jackson (Sharon) and step-sister of Brian Shaw. Her early years were marked by a defiant spirit, fierce determination, and strong advocacy for human/animal rights and social justice which remained a constant throughout her remarkable life.
Family was the cornerstone of Mauria's life. She was the loving wife and true soulmate of Dr. Robert W. Aspell and the proud mother of a "Brady Bunch" family that came together intentionally and with love. Her children include William G. (Don) Porr, Sr. (Susannah), Eleanor Porr Young (Homer Jon), Valerie Aspell Hoit (Craig), Megan Aspell Lane (Jeremy) and Brenda Edgar Ramsey (deceased). In addition to her husband and living children, she is survived by nine grandchildren: Liam Porr, Ella Porr, Thea Porr, Jackson Young, Gray Young, Baeven Hoit, Ani Hoit, Zack Lane, and Jessica Little Hays. Important to note, she also cherished her fur babies through life who included Abigail, Mackey, Beau, Lucy and, most recently, her precious JoJo.
Mauria was a woman of many talents, many of which involved musical instruments as she had perfect pitch and could play by ear. When learning to play the piano as a child, she chose to learn Rhapsody in Blue as one of her first songs and nailed it. She could play both 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars beautifully, as well as the harmonica, and loved pulling those out during a party or gathering with friends. Mauria welcomed adventures and challenges. Notable are a courageous month-long hike along the Colorado Trail with a Llama at age 50, and skydiving at age 60. She had a passion for travel and enjoyed countless trips with her family and best friends. Mauria's favorite moments were those spent surrounded by her loved ones, sharing stories, dancing, singing, laughing, and creating cherished memories.
Above all, no talent was more important than that of a family and marriage therapist. She attended Southwestern at Memphis University (now Rhodes College), majoring in Anthropology and was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. She later attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, earning a Masters in Social Work. She began her career as a therapist for cancer survivors and eventually gravitated towards family therapy where she enjoyed a long career in private practice. She leaves a legacy of support and love for countless individuals who sought her guidance and leadership. Her profound dedication to her clients was a testament to her compassionate spirit and unwavering belief in making the world a better place by helping others.
Beyond her accomplishments and roles, Mauria will be remembered for her gentle heart, infectious smile, quick wit, personal strength, empathy and the joy she brought into every room she entered. Her family and friends will forever remember her as a beacon of light-a source of constant support, laughter, sass, love and comfort. Rest in peace Mom/Mama/Nonny. You are deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
A celebration of Mauria's life will be held in Hot Springs at a future date in the Spring of 2025, to be announced in the papers and on her Facebook Memorial Page (https://bit.ly/mauria)
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Eleanor Klugh Jackson House in Hot Springs, Arkansas
(https://www.jacksonhouse.org/donate-now/) or the Humane Society of Garland County (https://www.hsgconline.org).