Melba June Sanders - Harris

     Melba June Sanders was born the third child of John Henry and Marjorie Allred Sanders on February 9, 1932 in Trousdale Oklahoma.  At 91 years of age she passed away in the home of her daughter Janine and her husband Ted on Saturday January 27, 2024, just 13 days away from what would have been her 92nd birthday.  Melba was the last surviving member of the family of Henry and Margie Sanders.  Melba was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother Henry Lawrence, sister Betty Joe, brother Gerald Ray (Sonny), brother John Kenneth (Kenny), sister Margaret Ann and sister Ramona Sue (Pony).  Also preceding her in death were her parents by marriage, Edward Lee and Ora Lou Harris, husband Clinton Edward Harris, infant granddaughter Amy Michelle Garland and great grandson Blake Ryan Johnson.  Also passing before Melba, were her brothers by marriage Clay, Bob, Tom, and many other relatives and friends.  Melba is survived by Merle and Rhonda Harris and Elaine Sanders, which were brother and sisters through marriage.  Melba had many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     Melba June Harris had four children, Deborah June Harris of Oklahoma City, Judy Fayne and Mike Davis of Oklahoma City, Felicia Janine and Ted Mess of Oklahoma City, and Jamie Edward and Kelly Harris of Midwest City.  Melba had six Grandchildren, Amy Michelle, Cory James, Cody Clinton, Jamie Corin, Wesley Edward, and Kayla Marie.  She was also blessed with great grandchildren, Cerinity Nicole, Lucky Grayden, Blake Ryan, Colton Clinton and one great-great grandson Jack Ray.

     On May 10, 1952 Melba married the love of her life, a Maud Oklahoma boy much to her Granny Allred’s delight.  Melba June Sanders wed Clinton Edward Harris in Lovington, New Mexico around the time of his being drafted into the United States Army.  On July 18, 1953 Melba gave birth to their first child Debbie at the Tinker Air Field Hospital while Clinton was fighting on the front lines during the Korean War.

    After Clinton came home and after his discharge from the service they moved to Pauls Valley Oklahoma where Melba gave birth to Judy in 1955.   Clinton was employed in the oil industry, which led them to a new home in Odessa Texas.  In 1962 they welcomed Janine and in 1966, Melba gave birth to their only son Jamie.  In 1970, they moved back to their home state of Oklahoma.      

      Melba Harris was a long time member of Carey Heights Baptist Church in Oklahoma City.  She took an active roll in serving along with Kenny and Elaine.  Melba loved the Lord and her family.  She enjoyed spending time with her kids and was always on the go.