Ethel Leas Melvin

Ethel Marie Leas Melvin transitioned to Heaven on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 11:30 am at the age of 91. She was known as Mom, Gramma, Memama, Aunt Ethel, and Marie. She was a positive, creative, humble, smart, people-feeding, fiery ball of greatness. She had beautiful handwriting, was an avid reader, and gave incredible hugs.

Ethel always said, “if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry”; a true testament to the fact that she chose happiness, even when things were difficult. She was a member of Munholland United Methodist Church, where she felt privileged to be a children’s Sunday school teacher, a member of their UMW, and a brownie and girl scout troop leader. She was a member of the Metairie Ridge Chapter #169 of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, James Edward Melvin, Sr.; her daughters, Barbara Smith (Jeffrey) and Darlene Taylor (Kevin); her son, Jimmy Melvin; her grandchildren, Morgan Dore (JJ), Elsbet Hollywood (Tim), Evan Mickleberry, Alison Smith (Jon), Erin Campbell (Adam), and Adam Taylor (Darlene); and her great grandchildren Madison Campbell, Harrison Dore, Baker Hollywood, Harper Dore, Knox Hollywood, Maui Taylor, and Beau Dore. Over the years, she repeatedly expressed gratitude for the privilege of watching her children grow, watching their children grow, and being able to witness and be a part of the lives of her great grandchildren. They are equally grateful of that gift.

A celebration of Ethel’s life will be held at a later date.