Melba S. LaFever, 81, of Belle Rive, Illinois, passed away at 3:20 pm July 23, 2024 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon. She was born August 2, 1942 in Mount Vernon, Illinois to the late John D. Breeze and Mary (Bundy) Maxey. Melba married Charles A. LaFever on October 27, 1961.
In addition to her beloved husband of sixty-three years, Melba is survived by her children, Michelle Vincent and husband, Brian of Tennessee, Brian LaFever and wife, Ellen of Phillipines, Tracy Byrd and husband, Marlon of Michigan; grandchildren, Chad Pfeffer and wife, Amy, Joshua LaFever, Katie LaFever and husband, Daniel, R.J. Ramos and wife, Katrin, Marielle Avery Ramos, Mary Yielen Ramos, Daniel Byrd, and Colette Byrd; great-grandchildren, Lilianna and Rosemary Pfeffer, and Euno Ramos; siblings, Lois Johnson and Bill Breeze and wife, Marilyn; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Melba was preceded in death by her step father, Noble Maxey, who raised Melba.
Besides her family, Melba’s greatest passion was her love for Jesus and telling others about Him. Melba was on inspiration to many. Melba has had many positions over the years including church secretary, secretary for the state convention of Baptists in Ohio, and VBS director. Melba was passionate about VBS and sharing the love of Jesus to the little children. Many of the children through the years thought of Melba as their second mother. Melba delighted in organizing and decorating for the many events at church. Melba enjoyed decorating cakes for weddings and birthdays which brought her such happiness and a sense of accomplishment. In recent years, it has brought her such great joy to be attending “tThe Little Log Church” in which she was raised. Melba has run the race and is now in the arms of Jesus.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 pm with Pastor Jeff Cagle officiating. Interment will follow at Thomason Cemetery in Wayne City, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Melba’s honor to Mount Olive General Baptist Church.
Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.