Melba Juannel Howard

Melba Juannel (Cox) Howard, 79, formerly of Cleveland, TN, passed into the care of the Lord at her home in New Brighton, PA on Sunday, December 16, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. She was born May 14, 1939 in Ooltewah, TN, daughter of the late Frank and Lena Belle (Ross) Cox.

In addition to her parents, Melba was also preceded in death by her first husband: William “Bill” deVries and second husband: Randall Howard. Also preceding her were two daughters: Sharon deVries and Rebecca C.

Melba was a loving, devoted wife and mother. Her big heart overflowed to extend care and love to sixty-five special-needs foster children as well as her own. She also had varied careers outside of her home.

She is survived by her daughters: Annita Nall (Don), Riverview, FL; Kathy and Jeff Albanese, New Brighton, PA; two sons: Frank deVries (Kelly), Poplarville, MS; and Bruce Howard of Chattanooga, TN; her cherished grandchildren include: Michelle Snapp; Jennifer (Dalyn) Lipps; Angela Albanese; Jessica (Phil) Zinz; Haley deVries; Bill (Crystal) deVries; Robert (Anna) deVries and Anthony Booth; ten great grandchildren, one great great grandchild; one sister: June Bailey, Chattanooga, TN and one brother: James (Debbie) Cox, Cullman, AL.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 28, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the CHATTANOOGA FUNERAL HOME, CREMATORY & FLORIST-EAST CHAPEL, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, TN 37412. A service to honor and celebrate her life will be held 11 a.m. in the funeral home immediately following the visitation. Private interment will be in the Chattanooga National Cemetery.