Melba Ruth Soileau

Melba Ruth Soileau, age 79, of Water Valley, MS died Thursday, August 12, 2021, at her home. She was born January 28, 1942, in Ecru, MS to the late Marvin Crawford and Jamie (Wilson) Randall. Melba was a loving mother and grandmother who loved the simple things in life. She loved to cook, especially gumbo, but was willing to always try new recipes, even those that the family wasn’t fond of. She loved reading, and playing all kinds of games on her phone. But nothing was more important to her than her family. Until her retirement, she most recently worked in the cafeteria at Davidson Elementary. She was of the Baptist Faith.

Visitation is planned for Monday, August 16, 2021, in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM. Services will immediately follow at 3:00 PM in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks with Bro. Shane Crawford officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Melba is survived by one son, Lawrence Soileau of Water Valley; four daughters, Mary Vaughn (Barry), Carol Smith, Patty Soileau, all of water valley, Jamie Cech (Zig) of Raleigh NC; two brothers, Jimmy Poe (Pat) of Byhalia, MS, David Carlton of Grenada, MS; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents, Melba was preceded in death by her husband Gene Soileau; one brother, Bobby Crawford; and two sisters, Charlotte Hocutt, and Blanche Stacy.