Melba Shelby, age 99, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2023 in Abilene.  She was born March 14, 1924 in Waurika, Oklahoma to parents William Henry Wright and Viola Frances Jackson Wright.  She was united in marriage to Cader Lex Shelby, Jr. on November 22, 1943 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

In 1953 Melba and Lex moved to De Leon, Texas where they raised their family and pursued their life's work.  Earlier Melba had graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1946 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and later while teaching earned her master's degree and advanced educational certifications.  Prior to moving to De Leon, Melba taught two years each in Ringling, Oklahoma and in Galveston and Wichita Falls. In De Leon she taught in high school and middle school, later served as Counselor and finally elementary school Principal for a total of 25 years. She retired in 1983 after having touched many lives in the area. She was a member of the Comanche County Retired School Employees for many years.

In addition to her educational career, Melba was an active member of the First Baptist Church, joining in 1953.  She sang in the choir, helped in pastor searches, and taught the Joy Class in Sunday School for well over 20 years.  Prior to her death she was the oldest living member of the church. She was also a member of the Shakespeare Club and a supporter of the De Leon Public Library.  In 1996 Melba was named as the Woman of the Year by the De Leon Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs. Shelby is survived by two daughters, Sheri Morgan and Jo Anne Tucker; one sister, Wilma Dowell; four grandchildren, Julie Christensen, Karen Weaver, Shelby Tucker and Christie Kent; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lex Shelby; her parents; brothers, Elmer and R.V. Wright; and sisters, Reda Faye McWilliams and JoAnn Russell.

Funeral services were held Saturday, June 3, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Minister Erin Weaver and Pastor Paul Winegeart officiating. Interment followed in De Leon Cemetery. Pallbearers were Shelby and Cade Tucker, Adam and Cooper Kent, Matt and Jake Christensen and Austin Weaver.  Honorary pallbearers were Mark Beaty, Bill Dawkins and Bob Whitney. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to De Leon First Baptist Church in memory of Melba.