Melba Lee Jones Bates

Melba Lee Jones Bates was born in Holly Springs, Arkansas February 28, 1923 to Johnie William Jones and Myrtle (Shankle) Jones. She passed from this life February 20, 2024. She was 100 years old, lacking eight days of being 101.

Melba attended schools in El Dorado, Arkansas and Vivian, Louisiana, where she graduated from high school. She then attended Magnolia (Arkansas) A&M, graduating in 1942. In the fall of that year, she met Grady Bates at work, and they married on December 5, 1942. After 15 years in El Dorado, Arkansas they were transferred to Houston, Texas. They made their home, raising their children in Spring Branch. When Grady passed away in 2015, they had celebrated 72 years of marriage. Melba continued to live in their home until she turned 100 and then moved to Lufkin, Texas.

After graduating from college, Melba worked five years. She then became a stay-at-home mom for their two children. She returned to work as a secretary at Benjamin Moore Paint Company, where she excelled in Gregg shorthand, and later retired as the office manager. Melba was an excellent seamstress, making garments for her family, and loved Sewing for Missions weekly at her church, Memorial Drive Presbyterian. She liked crocheting, knitting, and other needlework. Her hands were always busy. For 50 years Melba and Grady enjoyed square dancing and traveling in RVs with dear friends to square dances across several states. Some of her other hobbies were reading, researching genealogy, cooking, and canning and freezing vegetables from their big garden. She was always happy to share her skills and knowledge with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Melba was constantly working to make life better for her family and others. God and family were the most important things in her life.

Melba was preceded in death by her husband, Grady M. Bates, sister, Louise Jones Riley; and brother, Walter Edward Jones.

She is survived by her children, Melinda Bates Talley and husband Joel, and Walter G. Bates and wife Linda; grandchildren, Laura Talley Dobbs and husband Walt, Austin B. Talley and wife Kim, Scott G. Bates, and Leighanne Bates Hancock and husband Joe; great-grandchildren, Grady, Nell, and Callum Dobbs, Genevieve and William Talley, Morgan and Hallie Hancock; brother, Johnie W. Jones, Jr.; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

According to her wishes, a small private celebration of her life will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church in memory of Melba Bates, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77024, or to your favorite charity.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.