Melba Brown

Our loving mother, Melba Marie Winningham Brown (83) of Palmerdale, Alabama died peacefully on January 15, 2025. She is preceded in death by her husband, William “Percy” Brown, her parents, Thomas Jefferson “TJ” Winningham, and Zabelle “Deocie” Winningham, and sister, Shelby Winningham Holland.

She is survived by her children, Jeffrey S. Brown of Cropwell, Alabama, Gayla Brown McCracken (Ron), of Oneonta, Alabama, her brother Roger Winningham (Janet) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and three nephews and a niece.

Melba was born September 16,1941 in Gadsden, Alabama. She and Percy were married for 56 years. They were able to spend many years together in retirement. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She will be remembered for her unconditional love, dedication to family, always being there with a listening ear, giving a hug or providing a great meal just to warm your soul.

Before her stroke, she enjoyed attending Compassion Church Palmerdale. She sang in the choir and helped work the food pantry. She appreciated the friendship of many at the church and loved the Happy Hearts group! Domino day was a must do on her calendar along with yearly trips to Gatlinburg with the group.

Melba freely gave her love to others and will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

We would personally like to thank the ENTIRE staff at TLC Nursing Center in Oneonta. They took great care of our mom for three years. She considered many of them as family and we appreciate the love, respect and care each of them gave to her.

We would also like to thank Enhabit Home Health and Hospice. The work that each of them do made mom’s days a little easier. She was blessed by your hard work, care and compassion.

The funeral for Melba Brown will be held Tuesday, January 21, 2025. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and the service will follow in the chapel. Tyler Cantrell will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Corinthian Fund at Compassion Church Palmerdale in memory of Melba Brown.