Athens —
ATHENS - Melba Owen, a 70-year resident of Athens, and beloved piano teacher to several generations of children and adults in Tyler and Athens, died peacefully on Dec. 14, 2012 at the age of 93 in Athens. Born in Mineral Wells on Oct. 5, 1919 to Jesse and Della Von Head, Melba grew up in Fort Worth and graduated with honors from Texas Wesleyan College in 1939.
Melba always recounted to family and friends that she led a blessed life to have had two wonderful husbands, Andrew “Andy” Woods and Jackson Owen, and a beloved and faithful son, Milton Andrew Woods. She led a life grounded in a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ, and enjoyed playing the organ and piano for First Baptist Church, and numerous civic organizations in Athens for over 40 years.
Melba’s keen intelligence, faith, humor, talent and positive outlook on life were an inspiration to her family and friends and her piano students, many of whom kept in touch with her through the years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Preston Head, Sr. and Dalton Head, husbands Andrew “Andy” Woods and Jackson Owen and her beloved son, Milton Woods.
She is survived by her nieces, Tara Head Hyland, Tianne Head Kuebler, Noel Schuler, nephews, Darin Calton, Preston Head, Jr., Daniel Woods, John Woods and sister-in-law Marie Woods Calton and an extended family of faithful friends.
The family would like to thank the staff of Green Oaks Nursing Center, Heart to Heart Hospice and devoted friends Jerry Don and Cindy Tyner, Bob Gray, Thresia Burnett, Dixie Gage, Jan Kirkwood, Kathy Killingsworth, and her many friends who visited and cared for Melba during the last 13 months.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 20 at 1 p.m., followed by a service of Praise and Thanksgiving at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church with interment at Oaklawn Memorial Park. The Rev. Perry Smith and Dr. Bill Pemberton will officiate.
Pallbearers are Darin Calton, Bob Gray, Artie Kirkwood, Jack Hyland, Scott Schuler and Jerry Don Tyner.
Honorary pallbearers are Daniel Hart and Lacy Roberts.
In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to First Baptist Church, Music Department Fund, 105 South Carroll, Athens, Texas, 75751.
You may leave a message of condolence or light a memorial candle for the family at www.carroll-lehr.com .
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