Melba Jean Smith

1937 - 2022

Melba Jean Smith, 85, passed away the morning of Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lillian Opal and William Frank Bertrand; her siblings, William Walter Bertrand, Wallace Ray Bertrand, and Betty Jo Warner.
She is survived by: her children, Pam Powell and husband, Jim; Jennifer Hargrave, Rodney Smith and wife, Melissa. Grandchildren: Kelsey Kaufmann and husband, Rich; Megan Warren and husband, Matthew; Hayden Smith and wife, Michaela; Bailey Smith and wife, Beth.
She is also survived by: four great-grandsons, Kaleb Kaufmann, Lyam Kaufmann, Hudson Smith, and Sutton Smith and various nieces, nephews, and their families. Melba was born on a dairy farm near Abilene, Sept. 20, 1937, the youngest of four.
She attended Wylie schools through her sophomore year of high school and graduated from Abilene High School. Melba married and had three children and spent her early years in Abilene, moved to Midland, finally settling in Big Spring where all three kids attended and graduated from school.
Her most memorable jobs were at KBST Radio in Big Spring where she was the bookkeeper and Western Container where she served various roles. She retired in 2002 from Western Container after 20 years and moved to Kerrville.
She lived her last several years surrounded by family in the Dallas area. Melba was a faithful member of various Methodist churches throughout her life and enjoyed making friends through Bible study groups and Sunday School classes.
She became a member of Beta Sigma Phi, a service organization, in 1966 and served many years alongside ladies that became lifelong friends. She will be remembered for her style and sass, her love of sports, Mexican food, and most importantly her strong faith.
She will forever be our very own yellow rose of Texas. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Abilene. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Harmony Dance Team, through their website harmonydanceteam.com.