Melba I. Taylor

Imogene Barton Taylor, age 84, passed from this life on January 22, 2012 in Cleveland, Texas.

Affectionately known as “Jeannie” to her family and friends, Melba was born on August 7, 1927 in Fredonia, Kansas to Specks and Cordiabell Caldwell. She moved from Kansas to Corpus Christi, Texas, as a young girl. In 1942 she met the love of her life, Herman Taylor, through mutual friends, on Avenue N in Houston. Melba and Herman married September 25, 1943. After Herman left the Navy in 1944, the newlyweds moved back to Houston to a little apartment on Harrisburg. They purchased their first home in Jacinto City, where their son Steve and daughter Deborah were born. In 1953, they moved to the subdivision of Freeway Manor, in South Houston, where they lived happily for 33 years. Seeking solitude in the country in their retirement years, they moved to Carthage, Texas, where they often welcomed their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for extended visits full of Melba’s fantastic cooking, pouring over old photographs, and conversations about family over cups of coffee.

In her younger years, Melba loved dancing at the neighborhood parties she and Herman would attend, especially those amongst her friends in Freeway Manor. Melba and Herman even joined a square-dancing club, where Melba would dress up in her best. She also enjoyed waterskiing with her family, bowling, fishing, and deer hunting. Melba was also talented in embroidery, tatting, crewel work, and crochet. She was a phenomenal cook, spending hours each day preparing the evening meal, whether it was to serve a crowd of family, or herself and Herman. She took pleasure in preparing each and every meal for her family, including Herman’s daily sandwich. Melba also enjoyed working in her garden, tending to roses and potted plants. She delighted in her role as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and the wonderful memories she has left her family with will continue to be talked and laughed about over many more cups of coffee.

Melba was preceded in death by her loving parents Specks and Cordiabell Caldwell, her precious grandson Christopher L. Taylor, beloved great-granddaughter Penelope Taylor, and cherished twin grandsons Alex and Aaron Kelley.

She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Herman L. Taylor; son Steve L. Taylor and wife Mirna and their daughter-in-law Angie Taylor; daughter Deborah G. Bolton and husband Jimmy. Grandchildren Mark W. Bolton and wife Carolyn; Patricia G. Kelley and husband Bobby; and Stephen C. Taylor. Great-grandchildren Cody A. Kelley, Abigail R. Kelley, Ashton L. Taylor, Leyla N. Taylor, Emma L. Bolton, Gwyneth E. Bolton, Brynn A. Bolton, Aurelia L. Bolton, and Ellis C. Bolton.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Forest Park East Funeral Home at 21620 Gulf Freeway, Webster, TX 77598, followed by funeral services on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 3 p.m. at the same location.

Melba will be honored by pallbearers Steve Taylor and son Steven Taylor, Jimmy Bolton and son Mark Bolton, Bobby Kelley and son Cody Kelley.