Melba (Elliott) Moses

February 20, 1940 – November 8, 2025

Melba Elliott Moses, a longtime member of the Beaumont, Texas community, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025. Born on February 20, 1940, Melba lived a life filled with creativity, grace, and quiet strength.

A gifted artist, Melba expressed her vibrant spirit through arts and crafts, oil painting, gardening, and floral design. She was a charter and founding member of the Thyme for Herbs Society in 1993, an organization dedicated to spreading the joy of the scented garden. She was instrumental in the formation of the nationally affiliated Herb Society of America – Southeast Texas Unit in 2010. Melba enjoyed assisting in planning the annual herb fairs at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens. She served in various leadership positions, including the executive committee of the Beaumont Council of Garden Clubs. Her love for gardening blossomed into lasting friendships and meaningful contributions to her community.

In the early 1970s, Melba began a career as a hairstylist, where she shared her artistic talents and explored the fashion industry. In the 1990s, she transitioned into media management at Univision Radio, working in both the Beaumont and Houston offices. She cherished the many friendships she made throughout her careers. Upon retirement, Melba moved to Houston to reside with her daughter, where she continued her interests in oil painting and gardening.

She loved exploring the diversity of the culinary arts, often baking and sharing her dishes at family and community gatherings. Many will remember the beautiful cakes and delicious cookies she loved to bake and share.

Melba will be remembered for her gentle soul, her eye for beauty, and the way she made every space she touched feel like home. Her legacy lives on in the art she created, the gardens she grew, and the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughter, Shelby Butts; son-in-law, Mike; and granddaughter, Zoe; her son James Moses, daughter-in-law Bobbie, and grandsons Jared Moses, David Thompson, Jerry Thompson, and Stephen Thompson; her son Clint Moses, daughter-in-law Pam, grandson Matthew, and granddaughter Nicole. She is also survived by her sister, Glenda Jordan, many great grandchildren, cousins and many nieces and nephews who were dear to her heart.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Rosie Lee Elliott and Jesse Lee Elliott; her brothers, Darrell Elliott and Sidney Elliott; and her sister, Barbara Auch.