Melba Raye Kornegay Morgan

Melba Raye Kornegay Morgan, 91, of Austin, went to be with her Savior on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. A visitation will be held Monday, Feb. 3, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home on North Lamar. A graveside service will be at 3:00 PM Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Shiloh Cemetery in Mexia, Texas. Arrangements by Cook-Walden Funeral Home.

Melba was born Dec. 1, 1933, in Frost, Texas, to J.C. and Ola Kornegay. She graduated from Hubbard High School and worked as a bookkeeper for various businesses, including First National Bank in Waco.

Melba was introduced to Jack Morgan by mutual friends. After dating for about 7 years, Jack finally proposed (he was known for taking his time), and the two were married on Nov. 22, 1963, a few hours after President Kennedy was assassinated.

Jack and Melba had two daughters, Debra and Mary Beth. Melba enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom while her girls were young, supporting their school activities and inviting their friends over to play. She was known for being a good cook (potato salad!) and baker (Texas cocoa cake!), and for making the best sweet iced tea. She loved to sew, making everything from Easter dresses (with matching hats) to prom dresses, doll clothes and even swimsuits. Later, she added crafting as a hobby, and she and the girls took part in the annual Hillcrest Labor of Love show for many years.

When the girls were older, Melba began working at Hillcrest’s Mother’s Day Out program, where she loved caring for babies. She made lifelong friends with many families, and some would stop by the house on Halloween so their kids could Trick-or-Treat with “Miss Melba.”

When Mary Beth was in first grade, Melba accompanied her to Sunday School each week, helping in the classroom. The next year, Mary Beth promoted to second grade, but Melba did not. She taught first grade Sunday School for many years, sharing her love for the Lord with her students. It made her so happy each time one of them was baptized. Eventually Debra joined her and they taught together until health issues caused Melba to retire from teaching.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents, J.C. and Ola Kornegay; sisters Bobbie Holman and Hilda Courtney; and her loving husband, Jack.

Melba is survived by her daughters, Debra and Mary Beth; her sister-in-law Irene Morgan of Katy; and many much-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She also had a loving church family.

Memorials may be made to the children’s department of Hillcrest Baptist Church, 3838 Steck Ave., Austin, TX 78759; [email protected]; (512) 345-3771.