Melba Jean Self, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on October 1, 2023, at the age of 79. She was born on August 13, 1944, to Elzy Franklin Crawford and Clara Mae Smith in Dallas, Texas, and her memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her.
On March 30, 1973, in a beautiful ceremony in Dallas, Texas, Melba exchanged vows with the love of her life, John Self, beginning a journey filled with love, joy, and unwavering devotion that spanned five decades. Melba and John’s love was a testament to the strength of their bond, weathering the trials of life together and sharing in its many joys.
Melba was a dedicated member of the Trinity Lighthouse Church, where her faith was a guiding light in her life. She found solace, community, and spiritual fulfillment within its walls, and her commitment to her church family was a testament to her unwavering faith.
As a secretary for her husband, John, for 25 years, Melba played an essential role in their shared journey, demonstrating her dedication to both her family and her work. She was not only a secretary but also a loving housewife, ensuring that her home was a place of comfort, order, and warmth. Her impeccable sense of cleanliness and organization was a reflection of her caring nature.
Melba had a heart filled with compassion, and one of her greatest joys was celebrating the milestones of her family and friends. She had a remarkable ability to remember everyone’s birthdays and never missed an opportunity to send heartfelt cards filled with love and well-wishes.
Melba and John shared a love for adventure, and their travels, particularly their adventures in snow and water skiing, brought them immense joy over the years. She was an avid cook and canner, delighting her loved ones with delicious meals and homemade preserves that reflected her love and dedication to her family.
Above all, Melba’s deepest love was reserved for her family. She adored her husband, John, and was a loving and nurturing mother to her four children, Tim, Michael, James Wade, and Joseph Self. Her heart swelled with pride for her four grandchildren, Angela Adams, Sheldon Self, Caleb Self, and Tyler Self, as well as her three great-grandchildren, Krysta Adams, Trenton Adams, and Wesley Self.
Melba’s legacy extends to her five siblings, Harold Crawford and wife Sandra, Betty Wilson and husband Doug, Barbara Bobo and husband Keith, Eddie Crawford and wife Tarenda, and Wendie Kendall and husband Daniel, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who cherished her presence in their lives.
Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Elzy Franklin and Clara Mae Crawford, as well as her two sons, James Wade Self and Joseph Self, and her brother, Thomas Crawford.
Visitation to celebrate Melba’s life will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Johnson-Moore Pottsboro Chapel, 511 FM 120, Pottsboro, Texas 75076. A funeral service in her honor will take place on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Trinity Lighthouse Church, 2915 Spur 503, Denison, Texas 75020. Following the service, Melba will be laid to rest at Preston Bend Cemetery in Pottsboro, Texas.
In her lifetime, Melba Jean Self touched the hearts of everyone she encountered with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love. She leaves behind a legacy of family, faith, and love that will be cherished and remembered for generations to come. May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love of those who went before her.
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