Melba Clark Williams

Melba Clark Williams, 84, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on Friday, September 1, 2023. She was a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister. She was a long-time member of Summer Grove Baptist Church. Melba was an inspiration to many for her commitment and dedication to her family.

Melba was born in Transylvania, Louisiana on August 19, 1939 to Charles M. Clark and Gertrude B. Barnette Clark. After graduating from North Caddo High School, she furthered her education at East Texas Baptist College in Marshall, TX and LSU in Baton Rouge. While a student, Melba met the love of her life, Bo, and they were married in 1959.  She received a BA degree in Education from LSU. Following graduation, they moved to Ft. Jackson, South Carolina where Bo was serving in the US Army. 

Bo and Melba moved to Shreveport in 1965 with their two young children. Melba started her career as an educator in Caddo Parish in 1972.  Following an accident in June 1972, which left Bo paralyzed, Melba faced many challenges as she not only continued her teaching career, raised two young children, and played a supporting role in Bo’s recovery, rehabilitation, and future career success.  Through God’s grace and strength, she stayed dedicated to her family and was an example of determination and commitment to all who knew her.  She truly was a living example of a Proverbs 31 woman.

Melba is survived by her son, Robert Warren “Bobby” Williams, Jr., and wife Debra; daughter Linda Williams Fair and husband Ragan; grandchildren, Justin Fair and wife Danielle; Ashley Fair Clark and husband Logan; Sarah Williams Oxford and husband, Dakota; Michaela Williams; Abby Marie Ruebin and husband Andrew; great-grandchildren Avery Fair, Beau Fair and Morgan Clark.  Her parents and her half-brothers Charles M. Clark, Jr. and Fred R. Clark predecease her.

A Celebration of Melba’s life will be Sunday, September 3, 2023 at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel with Rev. Dalton Lewis and Rev. McKee Williams officiating.  Visitation with friends and family will be at 12:00 PM with a memorial service following at 1:00 PM.  Burial will be at Centuries Memorial Park.  Honoring Melba as pallbearers will be Bobby Williams, Ragan Fair, Justin Fair, Logan Clark, Andrew Ruebin, and Jimmy Windham.

The family is grateful for the care and companionship these past two years provided by Shirley Washington and her team of caregivers. The family also appreciates the compassionate care provided by LifePath Hospice.  Melba loved her caregivers and the care and support they gave was an invaluable help to her and those who love her.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be made to Gladstone Community Church, 856 Gladstone Blvd., Shreveport, LA  71104.