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Funeral: 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora
Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Friday evening March 6, and 10 a.m. until time of service on Saturday at the funeral home
Interment: Elmwood Cemetery, Flora
Melba Joyce Briscoe Barnes Spell, age 85, of Flora, Illinois, passed away with a gentle breath, Sunday, March 1, 2020, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born March 27, 1934, in Clay County, Illinois, the daughter of John Martin and Hazel (Aumiller) Briscoe. She was united in marriage to William M. Barnes and later Johnny Spell and they both preceded her in death.
Melba worked at the International Shoe Factory and later in the Dietary Department at Clay County Hospital. She was an active member of the Clay County Hospital Auxiliary and was a skilled seamstress. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, and traveling. Melba made friends everywhere she went and enjoyed everyone that she had the opportunity to talk to. She cherished time spent making memories with her grandkids and great-grandkids.
She is survived by her children: Bruce (Francie) Briscoe of Flora, Doug (Cathy) Briscoe of Louisville, Brenda Briscoe of Arizona, Chris Briscoe (Lester Linneweber) of Washington, IN, David (DeAnn) Barnes of Flora, and Helen “Candy” Barnes of Flora; grandchildren: Kim Briscoe, Misty Shannon, Steven Adams, Dustin Barnes, Trevor Barnes, and Layton Barnes; great-grandchildren: C.J. Richie, Kaitlyn Richie, Isabella Shannon, Red Adams, Betty Adams, Odin Adams, Jase Barnes, Kylan Barnes, and Lawson Barnes; a brother: Jhon “Tom” Briscoe of Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; 3 brothers: Steve Briscoe, George Briscoe, and Paul Briscoe; 2 sisters: Jewel Clark and Lydia Spell; and a grandson: Scotty Devore.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with Richard Artis officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday evening and 10 a.m. until time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to either Clay County Hospice, Fur A Good Paws, or Clay County Animal Rescue and Shelter and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com
Jul 21, 1931 - Nov 18, 2024
Nov 15, 1940 - Nov 9, 2024
Sep 5, 1961 - Oct 31, 2024
Nov 14, 1941 - Oct 30, 2024
Nov 28, 1936 - Oct 29, 2024
So sorry for your family's loss, Melba was a real nice lady!
Bruce, Chris and Family Members: We’re very sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. May God comfort each of you in your time of need. I enjoyed Melba - she always had a smile. Prayers for your family.
May God give you all peace and comfort in these difficult times. Melba was always a very sweet person.
You were a beautiful lady. So very sorry David. Melba you will be missed.
I am so sorry Brenda and the rest of the family I know when you visited me she was not good but that doesn't help the pain. My prayers go out to all of you. My thoughts are with you. Sending my my love dear friend.
There are some people that bring something special to your life. Melba was one of those for me. She put up with teenage girls hi-jinx and attitudes, sewed absolutely beautiful clothes and gowns, and always knew when someone needed her. She was an extra mom for anyone who needed her. Momma M, I'm so glad that the pain of the last few years is now gone but I'm sure gonna miss you. I know that you are looking down to see what Bren and I are up to but keep remembering how much you were loved.
So sorry for your loss. We have know Melba for many years. She was a sweet lady. When I worked at IGA I saw her quite often and got to visit with her. Prayers of comfort for all the family.
What a family Melba has!! All very loving and caring. She loved each one so much. I am thinking of each of you. Great Family!! God bless and lean on Jesus!!!
Chris, so sorry for the loss of your sweet momma. I have lots of great memories of her from our childhood. You are in my prayers.
Rest In Peace Melba Many good memories of working together at Clay County Hospital Our condolences to Melba’s family 🙏🏻
Our condolences to the family. Melba was such a nice friendly lady. We always enjoyed seeing her and having long gab fests. Fly high, Melba
We're so very sorry. You're all in our thoughts and prayers.
my lengthy response is under Carlos's letter about Melba Barnes.
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Melba. She was a kind spirit and I will miss her. Prayers to all of you at this most difficult time.
So sorry for your loss 🙏.
I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my prayers.
I'm so very sorry to hear this sad news. I always really enjoyed visiting with Melba. May she rest in peace and praying for comfort for all who knew and loved her.
We are very sorry to hear that you lost your momma. Melba, and all of you were good neighbors. To each of you, please know we have you in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. She was an amazing woman who always had a smile and a laugh that would make my day. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Brenda, we are so so sorry for your loss. May God lift you up. Love you.
Hugs and prayers to the entire family. Melba was such a sweet lady.
Such a sweet lady! So sorry to hear of her passing.
Melba was such a sweet lady and will be missed....she always had a smile. Sending prayers and hugs to all the family.
Rest In Peace Dear neighbor Melba.
melba was a wonderful lady she will be missed she made me felt welcome
Rest In Peace Melba, thank you for giving me the honor of knowing you and I know you will be in good hands forever more!
So very sorry for you loss my thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Melba was such a wonderful lady. My heart goes out to you all.
Sorry for your lost, David & family.
Thinking of you Dave and de at this time. She was a great lady.
Oh Ms. Melba!!! Your sweet voice, quick wit and sharing your smile through the phone....those are just a few things that will be greatly missed! Thank you for sharing your pickle recipe, your banana bread recipe and above all else, thank you for sharing Helen with us. You both have an eternal impact on our lives! Now instead of talking about the church service and message over the phone, YOU ARE THERE! With Jesus! I look forward to the day of meeting up in Heaven with you to give you a huge hug! Thank you for loving on us even from a distance! Shine on beautiful!
Dearest Helen, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your mom has beautiful wings and is blessed with eternal love through Jesus. You will see her again. I love you.
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you over the passing of sweet Melba! I loved Melba and will forever remember her at Christmas time with memories of her at Billie's. Melba was a sweet kind funny woman....hugs to you all!
Condolences to family and friends. Hope you are comforted by sweet memories.
Keeping you in my thoughts. So glad you had this time with your mom. ❤️
You will miss her and we are here when you are ready. Love ya
- had the pleasure of training her at the hospital. She always reminded me of that whenever I would run into her somewhere. I have a lot of good memories from that time.
So sad to learn of Melba's passing. Melba was a wonderful person and a great friend. I will always remember her.
We offer our sympathy to each one of your family. Melba will always be with you in spirit and in your precious memories of her. Praying that God will bring you peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Dave and we. So sorry to hear this. Dave. Your mom was a sweat heart. Very loving person. She could brighten any ones day. Even for just a few seconds. Wonderful women. Keeping you in prayer and thoughts. God bless
Mom, remember to listen because I will still be talking. I love you to the moon and stars and back again. Forever. Love your baby
Mom you were and always will be my best friend.So many memories good and bad,but are love was always so strong.thanks for giving me your looks and my can do attitude.I will always be your Bimbi baby
Wonderful woman and wonderful family. I stayed at their house so often in high school that Melba would ask me what kind of pie I wanted her to make. She was an excellent cook and her kindnesses to me and many had no bounds. My memories are so very fond of her. Sending my love and prayers to the entire family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many wonderful memories of sitting at her table and visiting with Melba. Always had a smile and loved her laugh while visiting with she and Chris. Loved you Melba and love you Chris. Prayers
Melba I will miss you dearly, thank you for everything you have done for me over the years. You have been a big inspiration in my life. Your big heart and kind words were heard and seen by many. You have touched many lives and I am very fortunate to have been one of them. Rest in peace
Sorry for your loss,she was a good neighbor and friend,
Miss you grandma you always held everything together you won’t stray far from my mind
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
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Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
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