Melba Scurlock

Melba Jean Gaines Scurlock passed peacefully at her home on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, with her family by her side.

A memorial service celebrating Melba Scurlock’s life will be held at Rose-Neath South Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Drive on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be before the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Jonathan King, with interment following at Forest Park West Cemetery.

Melba was born in Beaumont, Texas on February 4, 1929. She lived in Beaumont until she graduated from Beaumont High School and then lived a short time in Center, Texas where her parents ran the White Auto Store. She married Ray Scurlock on November 18, 1949, and shared 73 years together before he passed away earlier this year. Melba was a member of Summer Grove United Methodist Church for 60 years.

She had a love for travel and made many special memories with friends and family at her camp on Toledo Bend. She enjoyed being a mom, volunteering, church activities, family gatherings and watching sunsets with Ray by her side.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Ray Scurlock, parents, Leona Mae Beagle Gaines and Oscar William Gaines, her brother, Bill Gaines and her granddaughter, Carla Lenert.

She is survived by her two sons, Ted Scurlock and wife, Polly and Dan Scurlock and wife, Nancy; three daughters, Janet Dodd and husband, Henry, Judy Lenert and husband, Steve, and Ann Karkoska. She also leaves 18 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren who loved her dearly.

The family would like to acknowledge and express their appreciation for the love and kindness caregivers, Lavera Potter, Cora Wright, Doris Jackson, Beronica Washington Clay, Kellie Trimmer, Brenda French and Jay Mitchell showed mom over the past year. A special thanks to Valerie and Johnny Mitchell who became like family over the past several years.

Pallbearers will be her eight grandsons, Paul Dodd, Cody Lenert, Patrick Dodd, Peyton Dodd, Clint Scurlock, Peter Scurlock, Joshua Karkoska and Daniel Karkoska.

Donations to the Meals on Wheels Program c/o Caddo Council on Aging, located at 1700 Buckner Street, Suite 240, Shreveport, LA 71101 would be appreciated. Ray and Melba spent many years delivering meals to those in need.