Melba Louise Needham was born to Jack and Velma Crain in San Saba, Texas, on Saturday, July 31, 1943. She passed away January 16, 2016. She grew up in central Texas, coming to Bay City when she was a young teenager and spending the rest of her life in a place she lovingly called "home."
Melba was known for her caretaking of others, selfless acts of love and devotion, and unparalleled work ethic. She was loved as much as she loved others. Whether preparing meals for her neighbors, cooking for entire baseball teams, providing food for dozens of high school band members, or rescuing more than 60 abandoned animals in the last few years of her life, Melba consistently demonstrated that love is more than a word: it is action.
Melba was preceded in death by parents, Jack Crain and Velma Messer; brother, Dennis Crain; daughter, Theresa (Tessie) Needham; and sister, Vonnie Crain.
Melba is survived by husband of 55 years, Douglas Needham; sons, Stephen and Keith Needham; daughter-in-law Stephanie Needham; grandchildren, Siara and Dustin Needham; great-grandson, Layne Harper; and brother, Howard Crain.
Loved and respected by many in the Bay City area and beyond, Melba was most recently employed at the South Texas Project until retirement several years ago.
A memorial service in her honor will occur at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home of Bay City on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 10:00 AM.