Melva Dean Cavanaugh

Melva Cavanaugh died March 13, 2013 at her home in Baton Rouge, at the age of 74. A longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Melva was elected Justice of the Peace of East Baton Rouge Parish in 1996 and served in that office until earlier this year. As Justice of the Peace, she performed over 4,000 weddings, presided over approximately 114, 500 cases. In 2012, she received the Justice of the Peace Judicial Award from the Attorney General. In conjunction with the JP office, Melva established and ran the Notary of South Baton Rouge and Auto Title Company businesses. A notary public since the 1960s, her first commission was signed by Gov. Jimmie Davis. She was an active member of the Louisiana Notary Association, she served on its board for numerous terms and was editor of its monthly publication, Signed & Sealed, for nine years. Melva had a long and varied career, which began as a legal and loan closing secretary, and included several years as one of the first female operators at Ethyl Corporation. She had also worked at St. James Place retirement community and Riverview Hospital. Melva loved traveling, especially celebrating St. Patrick's Day, whether in Ireland, Chicago, New Orleans, Biloxi, or Baton Rouge. She is survived by two brothers, Eugene Cavanaugh of Leesville, LA, Kevin Cavanaugh of Baytown, TX; five sisters, Judy Welch and husband Tom of Leesville, LA, Connie Kansler and Catherine Perilloux of Baton Rouge, LA, Brin Cavan of Colorado Springs, CO, Tina Cavanaugh of Austin, TX, and close friend and traveling buddy, Pat Poret of Baton Rouge, LA. Also survived by five nephews, Scott Welch and wife Susan, Bryan Arnold, Jim Cavanaugh and wife Alesha, Jake Cavanaugh and wife Lacey, Michael Martin, three nieces, Rhonda Collins and husband Jason P., Heather Brooks and husband Jeff, Lucy Modisette and husband Mark, two great-nieces, Ariel Collins and Lyla Cavanaugh, and a great-nephew Jackson Cavanaugh. Preceded in death by parents Arial and Lucille Gills Cavanaugh and brother Corby. The family would like to thank the Mary Byrd Perkins Cancer Center and Hospice of Baton Rouge for their care, and caregivers Fredricka Keller with Caring Angels and Jann Spears, who provided skilled and thoughtful care. Visitation will be held at the Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 5:00 p.m., until Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m., conducted by the Rev. Pat Ginn. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 or the Louisiana Notary Association, 8550 United Plaza Blvd., Ste. 1001, Baton Rouge, LA 70809. Please sign the online guestbook at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.