Melba Mae Bryant, 96, of Centralia passed away on March 11, 2023.
She was born on February 23, 1927, the youngest child of five and the only daughter of Fred and Beulah (Mutschler) Conrad at her family’s home in Shattuc. She married the love of her life, Melvin Bryant on July 1, 1946, in Sandoval, and he preceded her in death on May 24, 1993.
Survivors include her beloved family and friends, her daughter, Sandy (John) Fuson of Centralia; son-in-law Walter Salyers; grandchildren, Steve (Vanessa) Fuson, Sandy (Mike) Becker, Bobby Salyers, and Staci (Brandon) Palm; great-grandchildren, Leia (fiancé Keegan, Brenden (fiancé Elizabeth), Kaleb, Mady, Malikai, Kamille, McKenna, Krimson, and Kenzi; expecting her first great-great-grandchildren twins; closest Niece Sharon Stover and son Nick, a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Along with her husband of 46 years, Melvin Bryant, Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Beulah Conrad; her brothers, Russell Conrad, Earl Conrad, Dwight Conrad, and Wayne Conrad; her beloved daughter Bobbi Salyers.
Melba had a career in customer service, working at both Montgomery Ward and Sears in Centralia. She held the honor of being the oldest member of Central City Baptist Church, where she served her church family by giving kids unconditional love in the children’s department, and enjoying her role during Vacation Bible School every summer. Melba was a strong Christian who was able to persevere through every trial as she walked by faith, not by sight with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She and her husband Melvin began following Jesus during a revival at Diamond Springs Baptist Church. From there forward they became members at Central City. She loved to spend time in nature, nurturing her garden. Melba’s heart was full of love for her family, she cooked the most amazing meals, generously hosting every holiday and birthday until passing the tradition on to her daughters. She never met a baby she didn’t want to cuddle, and she was grateful to be able to sit with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Melba was more than partial to her favorite color red, loving all things red. She had a welcoming spirit and was a friend to all, affectionately called Mamo by family and friends. Melba will be forever remembered for her strong faith, kind spirit, and love for her family.
A celebration of life service will be held at noon Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Steve Upchurch officiating. Friends and family are invited to a visitation time at Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia from Wednesday, March 15, 2023, from 10:00 A.M. till the time of service. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in rural Sandoval. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Melba’s honor to The Rock Church. Online condolences and memories of melba may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
