Melba Owens

Melba was born on June 16, 1918, in New Boston, TX, to Rue Banna and John Alfred Smith. Melba is survived by three daughters, Betty Joy (Ira) Doyle of Pearland, TX, Kathryn Sue (Matthew) Johnson of Richmond, TX, and Janice Dawn (Frank) Nappi of Gorham, ME, as well as 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 7 great, great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her brother Doyle Smith, her husband John Thomas Owens, Sr., her children John Thomas Owens, Jr., Patricia Elaine Motl, and Paul David Owens, 1 grandchild, and 2 great grandchildren.

After childhood in Bowie County, TX, Melba married and moved to Houston. There she worked as an LVN at St. Joseph’s Hospital until retirement. She was also the librarian and President of the PTA at Resurrection Elementary School.

Melba was also very active in her Catholic church of St. Benedict’s. She was recognized for her positive contribution to the church in 2002 through a Certificate of Recognition from the Diocese of Galveston-Houston signed by Ret. Bishop Joseph A. Fiorenza.

Visitation will be held at the Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home and Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Ave, Houston, TX, 77023, on Wednesday January 12, 2011 from 5-9 p.m. The funeral mass will be held at St. Benedict’s The Abbot Catholic Church, 4025 Grapevine St., Houston, TX, 77045 at 9 a.m. on Thursday January 13, 2011. Burial will be at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery immediately following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Benedict’s Church.