Melba Harvill

A visitation for Melba will be held Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home, 1917 Archer City Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76302. Following the visitation will be a graveside service at 11:00 AM at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Memorial Park, 1917 Archer City Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76302.

Dr. Harvill was born in Bryson, Texas on January 22, 1933 to William Henry and Verlin Brawner Sherwood. In 1939, the family moved to Edinburg, Texas, where Mr. Sherwood became a principle of a school there. When her parents divorced, Melba and her mother later moved to Grand Saline, Texas, where Mrs. Sherwood became a practical nurse. She later married Dr. B.B. Brandon of Edgewood, Texas. Melba enrolled in the third grade in Edgewood Elementary School in 1941 and graduated in May 1951 as valedictorian. Six weeks later, she enrolled in what is now the University of North Texas. Melba graduated with a B.A. in history in 1954, she later earned an M.A. in history, a M.L.S. in library science in 1973, and a Ph.D in Library and Information Science in 1984.

Melba took a job at Midwestern University's Moffet Library in 1967, and in 1973 became the library's Director, a position she held until her retirement in December, 2000. The University's Board of Regent's granted Dr. Harvill Emeritus status in 1992.

As a member of the University's Academic Council, Dr. Harvill was aware of major changes in the curricula of the university. It was her responsibility to ensure that the library's collection could support any new programs. Wearing another hat, she taught a semester of American History when the department chair took another assignment.

In 1995, a dream of Dr. Harvill's came true: adding something really significant to the library's collection, The Nolan A. Moore Special Collection. This collection, over 1,000 items, became known as "The History of Print". It includes replicas of early cave drawings, illuminated manuscripts, books of Hours and others-up to and including the development of the Linotype machine. Rounding out the collection is an early Adam Ramage American printing press.

Dr. Harvill was devoted to MSU, its faculty, and its many students over a thirty-three year history. After her retirement, Dr. Harvill continued her support of MSU football, holding season tickets until she no longer felt free to drive. Her support continued financially until her death.

Dr. Harvill was very active in the Wichita Falls community over the years. For over twenty years, she served on the Board of Directors of the Southside Youth Center. She also was a member of the Rotary Club Wichita Falls North, a multiple Paul Harris fellow, and a Rotary Builder. Dr. Harvill was at one time, a member of the League of Women Voters, the Senior-Junior Forum, a member of the Arts council, and a long-time member of River Bend - as a board member and as an annual donor. Rotary and River Bend were two of her favorite charities. Harvill was listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who Among American Women, and Who's Who in Library and Information Science, 2ned.

Dr. Harvill is survived by a son, Mark R. Lindley, two grandsons: Tommy Lindley, Casey Lindley and wife Alexandria of Del City, Oklahoma, Daughter-in-law, Ms. Penny Lindley, step-daughter, Dr. Lisa Turner and husband Erwin, of Gold Canyon, Arizona.

She was preceded in death by son, Sherman T. Lindley III, husband L.E. Harvill Jr., both parents and both sets of grandparents.

Remembrances may be made to MSU Texas' Moffett Library or the University of North Texas' Melba S. Harvill Endowed Scholarship.