Melba Boyd

BOYD
Oct. 12, 1932-Oct. 16, 2018

Melba Elizabeth Harper Boyd was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi on October 12, 1932 and died peacefully October 16, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama. Melba was the youngest of the ten children of Martha West Harper and Charles Cornelius Harper. Melba graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama in 1950. Melba married Milton Winston Boyd on June 23, 1951 and they began their life together in Maryland at Patuxent River NAS. United States Air Force Chief Master Sargent M. W. Boyd retired after a career spanning more than 30 years. Melba was preceded in death by her husband on March 16, 2015. During their 63 years of marriage they raised two sons together and enjoyed a life traveling to duty stations around the world. Living in places as diverse as Tripoli, Libya; Molesworth, England; Goosebay, Labrador; Travis AFB, California; Langley AFB, Virginia and Ramstein, Germany. Melba is remembered as a loving and supportive wife and mother by her sons, M. Lamar Boyd (Karen Callanan) of Bel Aire, Kansas and James D. Boyd of Palm Springs, California. Melba was known for her compassionate heart and welcoming smile. She believed strongly that Jesus Christ set the perfect example of how to love and serve those around her. As an active military wife Melba volunteered at the base hospitals and elementary schools. She was a nursery school teacher and once a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts of America. She enjoyed reading, gardening, playing bridge and entertaining friends. In her later years Melba began oil painting and created many works of art that she gave to friends and loved ones. Several of her last paintings have been donated to Carrington Specialty Care in her honor as appreciation for her loving treatment while a resident. Melba's favorite flower was the common English daisy. Please plant some in your own garden in remembrance. In lieu of flowers consider a donation to Covenant House New Orleans and the homeless children they serve. A visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, October 31, 2018 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.mobilememorialfunerals.com.

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