Melba Washington Jones was the second born of four children to Mrs. Warreen Washington and the late Mr. Lorenza Washington on August 5, 1952, in Marshall, Texas.
She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Marshall, Texas, where she remained a devout servant her entire life. In the church, she served in multiple capacities to include teacher for Sunday School Class #8, Youth Director, and an Adult Choir member.
Melba graduated from Pemberton High School, class of 1970. She completed her License Vocational Certification at Panola College, and she extended her education by attaining an associate degree in Nursing from Kilgore College. She was a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in Texas for more than 40 years. During her tenure as an RN, she saw a need within the elder and disabled community, which ignited her desire to become an entrepreneur to cater to this population. In 1990, her passion came to fruition, and she opened the Community Adult Day Activity and Health Center, Inc. For more than 30 years, she lived out her mantra of “Making Golden Years Truly Golden.”
At the time of her transition to be with the Lord, she was single; however, she had three children from two previous marriages.
Melba served as the first president of the New Town Neighborhood Association (NTNA) and served in this capacity for ten consecutive years. The area known as New Town in Marshall, Texas, was established to support the African American community developed around Wiley College to preserve the district and highlight its rich African American history in the community. During Melba’s tenure with the Association, she led a team of dedicated residents in partnership with the state to preserve this historically significant community.
In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, quilting, canning fruits, and vegetables. She was known for preparing huge meals, which she enjoyed sharing with her family, friends, and many people in the community. Additionally, she was a prolific writer and authored numerous poems, plays, and essays entertaining groups of all ages. Her creative spirit comforted her during her final days.
Her many accomplishments and accolades include her business being listed with the Marshall Chamber of Commerce and memberships in Marshall All-American City Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Texas-Louisiana Baptist Association Choir, and Marshall Black Owned Business Network.
Melba received numerous awards, including recognition for outstanding community service from the Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Additionally, she was recognized as the “Top Lady of the Year” by the Marshall All-American City Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, recognized with the Patriot Award from the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an Achievement Award from East Texas Human Development Corporation, and numerous awards from the City of Marshall.
Melba answered the Lord’s call on Friday, July 2, 2021. She was preceded in death by her father, Mr. Lorenza Washington. Left to cherish her memory is her loving mother, Mrs. Warreen Washington; three daughters, Colonel Shaunte (Ramsey) Cooper, NeCee (Dexter) Palmer, and LuKresha Jones; three siblings, Clifford (Ethel Jackson) Washington, Dr. Rhonnie (Verna) Washington and Karen (Turrance) Jackson; seven grandchildren, Makayla (Cesar), Joshua, Dexter Jr., Kristepher, Sydnie, Dia, and Josiah; three great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.