Melba Sue Straver

Melba Sue Straver was born on March 24, 1943 in
Lepanto, AR, and lived most of her life in Trumann, AR.
Melba passed away on February 23, 2022, surrounded by
her husband and four children, which is when she was
always at her happiest. She was 78 years old. She was a
loving wife of 52 years and a devoted mother for 62 years.
She had a beautiful singing voice and lit up when singing
sad and silly songs to her loved ones. She also had a
great sense of humor and a way of making people laugh
even though she could never tell a joke without giving
away the punch line. She also had a great passion for the
things she believed in. Melba will be dearly missed and
always remembered.

Melba was predeceased by her parents Cecil and Cecilia
O’Dell her sisters Sadie Mae McCall, Lois Jean Gray,
Bertha Fay Gunter and her brother John Charles Gunter
and her stepson Gregory S. Straver. She is survived by
her husband Thomas Rex Straver of the home. Three
daughters, Terrye E. Straver of Cherokee Village,
Courtney D. Lucas and husband Michael Lucas of
Trumann. Jerrye D. Milligan of Trumann and one son,
Michael W. Stayton of Jonesboro and stepchildren Shellie
Langley of Thayer MO, and Renee Prince of Harrisburg.
She is blessed by her 12 grandchildren and 9 great
grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren who
lovingly referred to her as “Grandy” or “Boo-Boo”.

A visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2022
at Emerson Funeral Home.