Ms. Melba Marie Smith

Melba Marie was the second of four girls born to the union of Samuel and Josie Smith in Vacherie, Louisiana. Melba accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptized by the later Reverend Lucien Garrett, First Baptist Church, Vacherie, LA.

"Sam" did not birth any children however, she had a hand in rearing many nieces, nephews, cousins and children in the community. She had a way about her that allowed unjudging love and kindness to everyone.

Melba Marie leaves to cherish her memory: one sister, Mary Louise Jackson, Baton Rouge, LA, four foster brothers, Sterling Preston (Sylvia), Sherman Preston, Washington D.C., Charles Ingram, Tyler Texas, Larry Ingram, Boutte, LA, one foster sister, Tammy Ingram, Boutte, LA, Sister-In-Law, Catherine Preston, Tempe Hills, MD, Nieces, Audrella Pate-Sinegar, Baton Rouge, LA and Jameka Jackson, Baker, LA, nephews, Dwayne Allen Jackson, Oklahoma and Thomas Jackson, Jr., Baton Rouge, LA., great nieces, Natasha Silivia Sinegar, Dallas, TX, Nicole Michelle Sinegar, Philidelphia, PA, Brianca Jackson, Natchez, MS, Ezmone' Audrelle Sinegar, New York, NY. One Special adopted niece, Melinda Carter, Baton Rouge, LA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved family.

Melba Marie was preceded in death by her sister; Penny Smith, brother-in-laws; Guy Pate, mother; Josie Noel Smith, father; Samuel Smith, nephew; Guy Orsino Smith, sister; Ethel Mae Pate, brother-in-law; Thomas Jackson, Sr.