Melba Dawn Spradling

Melba Dawn Spradling went to heaven on August 25, 2026, at the age of 91. Melba was born in Beaumont, Texas, to Vera and Milan Hurlbut on March 16, 1935, and was later joined by baby brother Jack. As a child, the family moved to Aldine, Texas, where Melba later attended Aldine High School and proudly served as a twirler and, as a senior, drum major. She also became a lifelong member of Memorial Baptist Church, where she met and married the love of her life, Joe Frank.

Melba was for years a stay-at-home mom but later worked in Aldine ISD, first as the registrar at Stovall Jr. High and then at central office as secretary to the assistant superintendent. Melba built a life of family, faith, and service to others. Upon her retirement, she cared for her parents and later for friends and church members who needed a ride to a doctor’s appointment or medical treatment.

Her family will always remember her generosity and continued outpouring of love and encouragement. She was always there to support whatever activity a child, grandchild, or great grandchild might be involved in, whether it was buying Girl Scout cookies or wrapping paper, attending a recital, or cheering at a sports game. One of her love languages was cooking for others, and she didn’t feel that any holiday, family gathering, or birthday had been properly celebrated unless she had prepared enough of the family’s favorite dishes to feed the masses. And in remembering Melba, it is important to mention her love of sports, especially for her beloved Astros, Rockets and Houston Cougars. If a game was on, and she was near a tv, she would be cheering them on, and she could talk about the individual players with the best of them.

Melba was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Joe Frank Spradling. She is survived by children Joe Keith Spradling and wife Janet, and Cindy Baker and husband Paul; grandchildren Josh Spradling and wife Sarah, Jessica Crandall and husband Matt, Will McCloskey and wife Eileen, and Kimberley Hale and husband David; great grandchildren Micah Spradling, Bennett Crandall, Stella Crandall, Maddox Crandall and Patrick McCloskey. She was also blessed by the love of her extended family, including son-in-law Paul’s daughters and grandchildren: Aly Baker Ricks and husband Lee, Layla Branch, Webb Branch, and Ivy Ricks; and Emily Baker Branch and husband Lance, Winnie Branch, and Lucy Branch.

Melba will be dearly missed by all those whose lives she touched in her 91 years.

Visitation will be held at Brookside Funeral Home - Champion, 3410 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX 77068, US, on September 1, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Brookside Funeral Home - Champion, 3410 Cypress Creek Parkway, Houston, TX 77068, US, on September 2, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.

A Committal Service will follow at Brookside Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039, US, on September 2, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.