Melba J. Ward

Melba J. Ward of Charlotte was reunited with her beloved husband, John, in heaven on Friday, October 15th, 2021.  This world below got to be blessed by the heart and soul of Melba for 85 years, and the world is definitely a better place for it.  She was born to Adron and Rena Peel of Leachville on May 7th, 1936.  She was a retired teacher’s aide, a member of the Swifton First Assembly of God church, and, according to what she told her grandkids when they were children, the namesake of the Melba Theater in downtown Batesville, Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, Jim Peel, and grandchildren Sarah and Jason Martin and Hattie June Franks.

Those who she left behind will miss getting to experience her laughing until she snorted, cheating at dominoes (allegedly), proclaiming any home cooked meal or dessert was the “best she ever had”,  and seeing her reflect the love and compassion of Jesus to anyone she met.

Her loved ones that will carry her memory forward are her oldest daughter, Phyllis Martin and husband Jim of Rosie;  oldest son, Johnny Ward and wife Annette of Charlotte; youngest daughter, Kathy Franks and husband Doug of Charlotte; youngest son, David Ward and wife Melissa of Cedar Grove; one brother, Bob Peel and wife Jeanne of Cardwell.  

She also leaves behind nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren including Jimmy Martin, wife Valerie, and daughters Clara and Chloe of Rosie; Brian Martin, wife Casey, and children Harley, Darby, and Stormy of Rosie; Grason Martin, wife Michelle, and daughters Teia and Tori of Rosie; Jonathan Ward of Tuckerman; Joey Ward, wife Maggie, and daughter Juniper of Brookland; John Franks and wife Sarah of Jonesboro; Zach Franks, wife Cheyenne, and daughters Evalynn and Becca of Charlotte; Maranda Cole and husband Ryan of Swifton; and Ethan Ward of Cedar Grove.  Lastly, a host of other relatives and friends, including the hundreds of strangers she befriended anywhere she went and the residents and their families of Woodlawn Nursing Home will deeply miss her.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel with Bro. Brandon Gates officiating.  Burial will follow in the Charlotte Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday, October 18, 2021 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be her loving grandsons and her only granddaughter will serve as honorary pallbearer.