Melba M. Huff

Melba M. Huff, passed away on September 25, 2025, in Pawleys Island, SC, at the age of 95. Born on February 13, 1930, in Judsonia, Arkansas, Melba grew up on a farm during the difficult years of the Great Depression. Those early experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for hard work and the importance of responsibility, traits she carried throughout her life. She was the daughter of the late Joe Caruthers and Della Castlebarry.

Melba was not only a devoted mother to her own children but also a nurturing presence to many neighborhood kids. She shared wonderful memories, such as when she included Candie and Steven on a family vacation to Myrtle Beach, giving them a chance to enjoy new experiences together. Described as someone who put her children's needs before her own, Melba often went without personal luxuries to ensure her family was well-cared-for. She took pride in finding new clothes for her children while accepting hand-me-downs herself, showcasing an enduring sense of love that shaped their lives.

A strong proponent of fairness in the workplace, Melba's business mind shone through during her tenure at a family-owned business in Roebuck, where she worked for three years. Identifying the lack of raises among the 125 employees, she had the courage to speak with the owner about the disparity, resulting in improvements that benefited the entire staff. Her entrepreneurial spirit extended to running a full-service gas station and managing a general store, as well as multiple rental properties. Her remarkable work ethic and keen business mind became a legacy that inspired her children and grandchildren.

Melba’s loved ones will remember her infectious laughter and sense of humor. Many cherished moments justify the saying that she passed down her laughter to her children, leaving a lasting imprint on their personalities. Her compassion extended beyond family; Melba held a special place in her heart for her nieces, nephews, and neighborhood children. She was a proud surrogate grandmother to Robert Grizzle and Brad Towery.

In her spare time, Melba indulged her love of reading, often trading books with her daughters and grandson Chad. She possessed a remarkable ability to spell words correctly, a skill that her children, Rita, Stanley, and Carol, often joked about, as none seem to have inherited her spelling prowess.

Melba is survived by her loving children: Rita H. McLain (Tommy) of Moore, SC, Stanley Huff (Kym) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Carol Peters (Thom) of Pawleys Island, SC. She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Chad McLain, Bailey Johnson, Bailey Johnson, Brady Huff, and Bennett Huff, along with her great-grandchildren, Sutton, Eliza, Hampton, and Banks. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Felton Franklin Huff, and her son Brent Huff.

A Graveside Service will be held 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 2, 2025, in the Bethany Wesleyan Church Cemetery, 501 Bethany Church Rd., Moore, SC 29369. The family will receive friends following the graveside service.