Melba Joyce Hazelwood Phelps, age 87, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025 surrounded by family.  

Born on May 11, 1938 in Southmayd, Texas, Melba lived a full and meaningful life rooted in family, faith, hard work, and a deep love for the outdoors and all things related to sports.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, L.V. Phelps. Together, they built a life centered around their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.

Melba is survived by her two children, Rodney Phelps and his wife, Taffie, Andrea Phelps Douglass and her husband, Ross. 
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Bradley Phelps, Courtney Wyatt, Marcus Sanchez, Zachary Sanchez, Jordan Douglass, Logan Douglass, and Cydney, Wright, and her great-grandchildren, Knox Wyatt, Nolan Wyatt, Navy Wyatt, Tatum Phelps, Walker Phelps and Stetson Wright.  Her parents W.D. and Mozelle Hazelwood preceded her in death as well as her brother, Freddie Lee Hazelwood.

No one had a stronger work ethic than Melba, her dedication was unrivaled no matter the task. She had a variety of experiences throughout her life. In her early years she was a switchboard operator before taking a job at Bomber Bait assembling the Bushwacker lure. As the needs of her family changed, she became a Whitesboro ISD school bus driver. The major perk of that job was getting to see her son play at most of his away games.  

When LOF Glass Company came to Sherman, Texas, she began a long career there working on the line trimming plastic. She made many lifelong friends at each of her jobs.

A true lover of the outdoors, Melba was passionate about her yard and garden.  She took great pride in winning “Yard of the Month” multiple times in Whitesboro. Whether she was tending to her flower beds or nurturing her vegetable garden, she was happiest in her yard on a hot summer day.

Melba was super competitive when it came to sports.  She played softball for over 40 years, pitching for both the LOF team and the church softball league.  She enjoyed watching countless games that her kids and grandkids played in over the years. She was never shy about shouting encouragement from the stands or fields. 

Though she didn’t spend much time in front of the television, Melba was a spirited sports fan. She cheered passionately for her favorite Texas teams, the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and the Texas Rangers, and when necessary, even the Dallas Stars.

Melba will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, her loyalty, her green thumb, and the love she poured into her family.

Funeral services honoring Melba will be held at 10:00 AM on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro, officiated by Rev. John Reynolds.  Interment will follow at Collinsville Cemetery in Collinsville, Texas. No formal visitation is planned.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider planting something beautiful to enjoy in her memory.