Long time native of Gum Branch, Melba Wells Smiley, born October 30, 1932 went peacefully to her heavenly home on March 19, 2018. Melba was the last living sibling of her deceased parents Edgar Soloman Wells and Thelma Scott Wells.
She was also preceded by her two oldest sons James W. Smiley, Jr. and Dwain E Smiley. She is survived by her daughter Deborah L. Smiley, Jeffrey A. Smiley (Tammy) and Duncan E. Smiley (Laura). Grandchildren, Ranee S. Bragg (Rusty), Eric O. Goodman (Alice), Jason W. Smiley (Brandy), Taylor W. Smiley, Hannah V. Smiley, Sarah G. Smiley, Cooper R. Smiley, Asher R. Smiley, and Adelle G. Smiley and numerous great grands and nieces and nephews.
Melba loved her Family, Friends and her Jesus. She had a heart and compassion for people which she showed through her work for the American Red Cross at Fort Stewart, GA and AER Soldier Services at Fort Gordan, GA. She was a true artisan most recently enjoying crochet, ceramics and gardening. She often enjoyed following the trails through the woods of Gum Branch.
Memorial services will be held Friday, March 23, 2018 at The Sanctuary Church in Evans, GA at 11:00 AM and Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Liberty Baptist Church in Gum Branch, GA at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the Dementia Society of America or the Mission 22 (United in the War Against Veteran Suicide).