Melba Jane Gallop

She was born on August 4, 1929, in Mexico, Missouri, to Virginia Taylor and Herbert Chester Scott. A graduate of Mexico High School, Melba was both the school’s drum majorette and its very first homecoming queen.

Melba went on to become a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She and her husband raised three children, enduring the heartbreaking loss of one at just five years old. She loved reading, sewing, and working on puzzles—and while she was quite good at many things, she notoriously disliked cooking. Her dry sense of humor kept those around her laughing—if they were quick enough to catch it.

Melba was married to Russell David Gallop for 72 years until his passing in 2020. In her later years, she especially cherished visits from her grandchildren and four great-grandchildren in Huntsville, who came often.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Lisa Leigh Gallop; her parents, Virginia Taylor and Herbert Chester Scott; her brother, Donald Herbert Scott; and her husband, Russell David Gallop.

She is survived by her children, David Gallop (Karen) and Becky King (Larry); grandchildren, Amanda Perry (Mat), Tyler King (Alexandra), Rachel Phelps, Shane Phelps (Crista), Scot Gallop (Anneke), and Nathan Gallop (Tami); and great-grandchildren, Lincoln and Ella Perry, Hudson and Sawyer King, Aidan and Liam Phelps, Valin Gallop, Elliott Riley, and Cayden and Lorelai Gallop.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Somerby St. Vincent’s One Nineteen in Birmingham—especially those in the Memory Care Unit—for their exceptional kindness, respect, and compassionate care.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 23, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Southern Heritage Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Southern Heritage Cemetery.