Melba Ruth Spicer Foster (also known as Mama, Grandmama, Aunt Melba and Momma Melba) of Bartlett, TN, lost her battle with COVID-19 on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at the age of 71. Melba was born June 10, 1949 in Union City, TN to the late Theodore Spicer and the late Ruth Robison Spicer. She had a brother, the late Tony Spicer and a sister, Teddie (Ronnie) Spicer Bishop, whom she loved dearly. She was raised in Samburg, TN and enjoyed spending time on Reelfoot Lake with her family, childhood friends and church family.
Melba worked for ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, for 18 years where she made tours of the hospital a life changing experience for its guests. Her commitment, joy and love stood out as she introduced her guests to the kids of St. Jude as they told their stories and captured the hearts of their favorite music artists and friends of the country music industry. St. Jude’s mission to cure childhood cancer was one that Melba held dear to her heart. As quoted by a friend on social media, “I guarantee Melba heard ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ by Jesus, with Danny Thomas by His side.” Melba’s family is committed to continuing her legacy at St. Jude and ALSAC.
Melba leaves behind her husband of 38 years, Donald Foster. Her spirit is carried on by her 2 children, Laura (Michael) Crook and Tyler (Ashley) Spurlin; her four grandbabies, Kyle Crook, Madalyn (Jonathon Ramsey) Crook, Harper Spurlin and Graham Spurlin; as well as her many nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own. Melba was famous for her hugs, pinching cheeks and always telling the kids, “Make sure you always have Jesus in your heart.”
Melba also leaves behind aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and her beloved Yayas, all of whom she loved dearly. Her ALSAC family was extremely important to her and carried a special place in her heart. Her family is grateful for the love and support that has been shown by extended family, friends and her ALSAC family.
Melba could never be replaced. She will be missed by all that knew and loved her!
Visitation will be held December 18, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN. Funeral services will be held immediately following visitation at 2:00 pm. Committal Service will be held at approximately 3:00 pm at Memphis Memory Gardens, 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Road, Memphis, TN. Brother Chuck Williams will be officiating.
Due to COVID restrictions, the service will be live streamed via Facebook on Family Funeral Care’s page for anyone not comfortable with attending. Everyone attending visitation or services will be required to wear a mask.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude at Melba Foster’s Memorial Page: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app20023a?px=3445146&fr_id=39300&pg=personal&NONCE_TOKEN=0436EF30DBEB7990B3126A40B83CF390
