Melba Mae Austin

Melba Lewis Austin, 85, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed from this life to her home eternal on December 10, 2023 @ Franciscan Rehabilitation Center, Louisville, KY. Melba was born on October 13, 1938 in Gilbertown, Alabama to the late Sam Almond & Sadie Katherine Lewis. She was the oldest sibling of four brothers, Clatis, Clovis, Dean & Rush Lewis. She is preceded in death by her sons, Joel Jr, Barry Patrick; parents, Sam & Sadie Lewis; brothers Clatis & Rush Lewis. Melba was a faithful member of Victory Apostolic Church of Louisville, KY.

In late summer of 1956, Melba met the love of her life, Joel Patrick Austin, Airman in the United States Air Force. They married just months later on December 28. Melba was a senior in High School at the time but finished out her formal education while Joel went abroad on duty to Thule, Greenland. Upon his return, they were stationed in Valdosta, GA.

Once Melba (Joel) left Valdosta, GA, they were stationed at various bases through the years across the United States, Nashville, TN; Biloxi, MS; Abilene, TX; Clovis, NM; and finally Las Vegas, NV where Joel retired after 20 years of service.

Melba gave birth to a son, Joel Patrick, Jr but Joel Jr passed from this life just days later. Then on July 8, 1960 in Nashville, TN, she gave birth to their daughter, Kathi. Two years later she birthed son Barry Patrick which also lost his life soon after birth.

Melba’s life was filled with both adventure and challenges, hardship and success. Her strong Faith and commitment to God carried and guided her through whatever came her way! At each station of duty, Melba would seek and find a House of Worship to provide spiritual strength, build relationships and serve! Many of those relationships still stand strong today.

Upon Joel’s retirement from the United States Air Force, Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas, NV, Joel opened an electrical contracting business in Las Vegas and then began to build and sell custom homes as a General Contractor in the Las Vegas area. Melba was known for her incredible sense of design and class! Together, Melba & Joel, would make a team to build numerous custom homes in the Las Vegas area, some of which were sold to support the ministry of Jackson College of Ministries, Jackson, MS, where their daughter had attended! Their faithful support helped to train hundreds of young people to promote the saving gospel of Jesus Christ in the United States and abroad.

The Summer of 1990, Melba and Joel felt the call of God to sell their home and business and take a leadership role in the college they supported, Jackson College of Ministries. Joel became the Executive Vice President under the late Rev. Thomas L Craft, President. Melba and Joel labored in this capacity for six years without financial compensation, again, sowing into the Kingdom of God by their efforts and sacrifice!

After six years in Jackson, MS, Joel felt the call of God to plant a church in Chattanooga, TN, Cornerstone Apostolic Church. Melba was an integral part of this effort and together they built a church that still stands today!

Melba was truly a woman of grace, love and many talents! She loved to sing, sew, shop, cook and interior design! All that truly knew her also knew she was quite fond of Alabama football, having been raised with four brothers and herself a cheerleader in high school!

Due to health concerns, in 2015, Melba & Joel would relocate once again, only this time to be near their only child, Kathi and family. Melba and Joel have worked to support the local church (Victory Apostolic Church) in every way feasibly possible.

Melba leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband, Joel; daughter, Kathi (spouse John); granddaughter, Hannah Katherine; grandson, Cade; great grandchildren, Jayden, Declan & Audrey; brothers Clovis (Liz) Lewis; Dean (Patricia) Lewis; Sister-in-law, Sue (Kenneth) Hughey; Brother-in-law Titus (Pat) Austin; Sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Austin and a host of nieces and nephews friends and family!

Services are handled by Heady-Hardy Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023 4:00-8:00pm at Heady-Hardy Funeral Home, 7710 Dixie Hwy, Louisville, KY. Celebration of Life service to be conducted on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 @ 12:00 noon. Burial to follow at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Central, Radcliff, KY.