Melva Gail Ecker

Melva Gail Ecker, 67, of Lufkin, Texas, passed away on December 4, 2024. She was born on October 18, 1957, to Melvin and Dorothy Marie (Grammer) Deggs in Lufkin, where she spent a life dedicated to her family, faith, education, and the arts.

A graduate of Lufkin High School, Class of 1976, Melva achieved magna cum laude honors. She earned a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing from Stephen F. Austin State University and later returned to obtain her teaching certificate. She shared her passion for learning as a kindergarten and pre-kindergarten teacher for 22 years in Lufkin ISD, continuing to inspire young minds as a substitute teacher after her retirement.

Melva was a vibrant member of her community. A charter member of Christ Congregational Church in Lufkin, she devoted her time and talents to The Christ Church Chorale, The Renaissance Ringers Handbell Ensemble, was a finance committee member, a steward of the oil in the candles, and a Sunday school teacher. She was also a cancer survivor who embodied resilience and grace.

Melva cherished her monthly bunco group gatherings, family time, and traveling adventures, she was also an avid reader. She was deeply involved in the cultural life of her community, contributing to the Angelina Playhouse, the Cherokee Civic Theater, and the Angelina Arts Alliance. As a founding member and board treasurer of the Angelina Community Theater, she played a vital role in fostering the local arts. She graced the stage in numerous productions, including Wit, Driving Miss Daisy, Walk, Don’t Ride!, Women Playing Hamlet, Steel Magnolias, The Odd Couple, Dearly Departed, Narnia, Wizard of Oz, Dearly Beloved, Murder Before Midnight, and many others.

Melva also served as the Museum Manager at the Naranjo Museum of Natural History, continuing to enrich the community with her dedication to education and discovery. She was a proud member of the Historical and Literary Club of Lufkin.

Melva’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, Misty Deggs (Shawn Davis) of Lufkin, Sarah (David) Thorpe of The Woodlands, and Zack (Brittany) Ecker of Baytown; her grandchildren, Alan Mettlen (Natalie Aguilar), Nathan Mettlen, Dylan Mettlen, Drew Freeman, Aidan (Casey) Thorpe, KJ Thorpe, Georgia Thorpe, Madison Ecker, and Brooke Ecker; and her great-granddaughter, Olivia Mettlen. She will also be lovingly remembered by many other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Dorothy Marie Deggs, whose love and values shaped her life.

Melva leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. She touched countless lives as an educator, a mentor, and a friend. Her unwavering kindness, humor, and strength will forever be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Melva’s Life will be held at Christ Congregational Church in Lufkin on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 at 4pm. Memorial contributions can be made in memory of Melva to Angelina Community Theatre P.O. Box 153636 Lufkin, TX 75915.