Melba Lynn Hartley

Doctor Melba Lynn Brown Hartley was born in Rochester, Texas on August 6, 1937. She grew up in Abilene, Texas where she attended most of her schooling. Melba played on the volleyball team and was a member of the National Honor Society. She went on to Abilene Christian College where she got her Bachelor’s Degree. She taught school for a couple of years then moved to Dallas where she went into modeling and retail management. She married Hugh A. Hartley on August 26, 1961. In 1963, Melba started her own real estate business. Melba got her Masters Degree at ACC and TCU. After raising her children, Melba went back into the education field as assistant Superintendent at two different school districts, got her PhD at The University of North Texas. She finished her career with 14 years as a consultant at the Region II Service Center. Melba has been an inspiration to many with her kindness and strength. She was always so helpful, compassionate and strong. Her determination and strength were astounding throughout her fight against lung cancer. She’s famous for her chocolate crepes and loved by all the friends of her children. She spent many days by the swimming pool watching not only her own children, but all of the children in the neighborhood. Melba has three children, Charles D. Hartley (Kristie Hartley), Rebecca Lynn Hartley Kelly and Rachel Ann Hartley. Her grandchildren are Austin, Julia, Zoe, Joy and Abby Hartley. Her siblings are Merlene Williams, Foy Brown, Linda Easterling and Janice Young.