Melba Curtis Tyler

Melba Curtis James Tyler, a cherished and esteemed member of the Rogers community, peacefully passed away in assisted living at Holiday Renaissance-Austin on May 18, 2024, at the age of 102. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, leaving behind a legacy of high principles, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family, church, and community.

Melba was born on October 26, 1921, to Amy Loe James and George Albert James, a farming couple in Leedale, a witness to a bygone era in Rogers. She grew up alongside her older sister, Geraldine Crow (deceased), and her younger sister, Lovdia Clowers, who remained close to her heart throughout her life and with whom she spent many fun excursions, cherished family occasions, and nightly phone calls to check in on one another.

Education was important to Melba, and she diligently pursued it at Joe Lee School and Rogers High School, where she graduated as the class salutatorian in 1939, a testament to the precision and hard work that she would bring to her tasks throughout her life and to her years-long hobby of guessing (usually correctly) the answers on crossword puzzles and the Wheel of Fortune.

On January 22, 1940, Melba entered into matrimony with the love of her life, Jasper Jay Tyler of Joe Lee. Their union was blessed with two children, Ronnie Curtis Tyler (born December 29, 1941) and Richard Lynn Tyler (born December 13, 1944), who brought immeasurable joy into their lives as they grew up in the house that Jasper built and returned many times to delight Melba with the expanding family. Melba and Jasper prioritized the education of their boys, and sent both to college, financing their education through prudent planning and sacrificial living.

While Melba possessed the qualifications for a teaching certificate in 1943, she chose a different path, opting to dedicate herself to her family and community in other ways. She and Jasper owned and she ran the Joe Lee general store until the family relocated to Rogers in 1948. There, they became life-long members of the Rogers Church of Christ and were examples of faith and devotion, where Melba taught Sunday School and served actively for many years as an elder’s wife. Melba was particularly interested in the global spread of the Gospel, and supported mission work, including that of the Walter Sauters in Germany, the Cherokee Home for Children in Cherokee, TX, and World Bible School in Cedar Park, TX.

In 1955, Melba embarked on a new journey, obtaining a beautician's license. She honed her skills under the tutelage of Florene Cole in Rogers before taking the bold step of opening her own shop adjacent to her home the following year. Her reputation and talent as a beautician touched the lives of many in her family and in the community for decades, earning her respect and admiration. After years of dedicated service, Melba retired, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, friendship, and dependability.

Melba's unwavering work ethic and devotion to service were evident in every aspect of her life including her continual efforts as family archivist and as a homemaker, while maintaining her beauty shop. She was a talented cook and decorator and was known for carefully picking birthday cards and other remembrances to convey personalized and touching messages to loved ones. She was a diligent and gifted preserver of family records who kept detailed photo albums and scrapbooks of many of the phases of family life, including the history of the Rogers church. Melba also had the gift of playing the piano by ear and often played for family get-togethers. Whether supporting her family, tending to her clients, or participating in her church community, she did so with grace, prayerful commitment, and humility.

Melba's love extended beyond her immediate family, forming close bonds with her daughters-in-law Carmen and Paula and embracing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with the same genuine affection and devotion. She took immense pride in the accomplishments and joys of her grandchildren: Richard Madison Tyler and his wife Anna Renery of Austin, Caitlin and Jesse Harris of Austin, and Marielle Mercedes Tyler of Austin; and great-grandchildren Isabella and Nicolas Tyler, Eva Harris and Sofia Perez of Austin—whose photos and affectionate hugs in recent years were one of her main delights. Throughout her life, Melba’s favorite gatherings were those with her extensive close-knit James-Tyler relations and with the beloved members of her church.

In her final days, Melba was surrounded by the love of her family and the gratitude and kindness of many affectionate friends, including the compassionate vigilance of her son and daughter-in-law Richard and Carmen Tyler, the tender support of John and Ann Gunter of Rogers, and the many kind gestures of her niece Cathy Hill and her nephew Jamie Clowers of Rogers. While her physical presence may be gone, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift all who were touched by her sweet nature and strong convictions.

A funeral service for Melba will be held Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Rogers Church of Christ, S Milam St, Rogers, TX 76569. A committal service will occur Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Rogers Cemetery, 820 Rogers Cemetery Rd, Rogers, TX 76569. A visitation will occur Saturday, May 25, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, S Milam St, Rogers, TX 76569.

Donations and Contributions can be made in Melba's name to the following organizations;

Cherokee Children's Home, 13355 TX 16, Cherokee Texas 76832 or World Bible School, 16110 Anderson Mill Road, Cedar Park, TX 78613.