Melba Bailey von Sprecken

Melba was the quintessential steel magnolia, an irresistible loving force in the universe for her children, grandchildren and all who had been fortunate enough to know her. She was a champion for those she served and never gave in to pressure from those who did not share her commitment and vision to better the lives of those around her.

Melba was born in Mooresville, NC in 1927 to Elmore and Lois Bailey. Her parents also helped raise her cousin, Margaret Lucas, and the two were as close as sisters could be.

She was a war bride of WWII and had twins, Ron McLuen and Connie Stallings, by her first husband, Carl McLuen. She graduated from Queens College and worked at Barium Springs Orphanage for over six years, where she was named Teacher of the Year. The junior and senior classes of Barium Springs attended her wedding when she remarried Bob von Sprecken, Sr. in 1955. The two had Melba’s third child, Bob von Sprecken, Jr.

Melba lived most of her adult life in Charlotte, NC, where she was a long time member of Myers Park United Methodist Church and the Fellowship Sunday School class. Never one to sit idly, she worked as a nutritionist for the Huntersville Learning Academy, and went on to become the first female department head for Mecklenburg County, where she served as the Director of the Senior Hot Lunch program. In this role she provided a caring environment where thousands of elderly in Mecklenburg County received a hot meal and an opportunity to fellowship. Her advocacy for senior citizens continued as she was appointed to the Governor’s Council on Aging by Jim Hunt, and served there from 1972 to 1985. She was also the Mecklenburg County recipient of the National Association of County Governments Achievement award.

Additionally, she provided volunteer leadership to the YWCA and the Florence Crittenton Counseling service. But her children remember her for beach gatherings, Christmases, and birthday celebrations that were marked by love, laughter, and Southern sweet tea with a lemon in it…and the way she could keep them in line by arching a single eyebrow.

In addition to her children, she is survived by Fred Stallings, husband of Connie Stallings, Lisa von Sprecken, wife of Bob von Sprecken, and grandchildren Megan Stallings, Nathaniel von Sprecken, Learyn von Sprecken, and Annalise von Sprecken.

Melba's family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 28th at Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Road. A funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 29th at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Melba's life.

The family would like to thank Compassionate Care, Aldersgate, and Hospice for their care.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Children’s Hope Alliance at Post Office Box 1, Barium Springs, NC, 28010.