Funeral services for Mrs. Melba Smith 73, of Longview, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Stanmore Funeral Home Chapel. 1105 M.L. King Jr. Blvd. Longview, Texas 75602. Interment will follow in Jordan Valley Memorial Park. Viewing will be from 1 - 6 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2024, at the funeral home.  Mrs. Smith was born on  November 15, 1950, and passed

Melba Nell Hawkins Smith, a woman of grace and
unwavering faith, was called home on November 7,
2024. Born on November 15, 1950, in Pittsburg,
Texas, she was the cherished daughter of
Maurice and Willie Mae Hawkins.

Melba attended Frederick Douglass High School,
where she graduated with the Class of 1969. Her
professional journey included KFRO Radio Station
and Longview Independent School District Human
Resources. After many years of dedicated service, Melba retired from LISD in 2017.

Faith was the cornerstone of Melba's life. Over the years, she was a member of several congregations, including Saint Mark Missionary Baptist Church, Bibleway Baptist Church, and, most recently, Red Oak Baptist Church. Her love of the Lord and commitment to her community inspired all who knew her.

Melba was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbert E. Smith, also known as "Smitty," and her brother, Frankie Layne Hawkins. She is survived by her two devoted sons, Tory B. Smith (Yulonda) of Glenn Heights, TX, and Bryan O. Smith of Red Oak, TX, and her adored grandson, Tory B. Smith II, lovingly called "TJ."

She also leaves behind her siblings: brothers Marcell Hawkins of Waco, TX, and Patrick Hawkins of Mount Pleasant, TX, and sisters Joyce Wilkerson of Pittsburg, TX, and Cora Pride of Dallas, TX. Melba was deeply loved by many extended family members and friends, who will forever cherish her memory.