Melba Bell

Mrs. Melba R. Bell, 85, passed away at Noxubee County Nursing Home in Macon, MS on Saturday, Oct.7, 2017. Her funeral service will be held on Monday, October 9, 2017 at Cockrell Funeral Home Chapel at 10:30 a.m. with Bro. Bill Ross officiating. Visitation will be held following the funeral service from 11:00 until 12:00 noon. A private interment will take place at Soule Chapel Cemetery in Macon. Memorials may be made to McLeod Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church or the charity of the donor’s choice. Cockrell Funeral Home of Macon is honored to be entrusted with the service arrangements.

Melba Ray was born to the late James Milton and Margaret Jackson Ray in Meridian MS on August 17, 1931. As a young child, she moved to the Brooksville, MS area where she attended Brooksville Public School. She lived in Noxubee County her entire adult life and was an active lifetime member of McLeod Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church until unable to attend due to ill health. She was an excellent cook who loved preparing meals for her extended family. Mrs. Bell liked to collect “what-nots” and enjoyed listening to country music. She was an affirmed cat lover and also an accomplished gardener who specialty was growing roses.

Mrs. Bell leaves behind her daughter: Mary Cockrell of Macon, MS as well as one sister: Dorothy Moore of Macon and one brother: Roland Ray of Brandon, MS. She is also survived by two grandchildren: Penny Cockrell of Macon, MS and Will Cockrell of Spearfish, South Dakota and a large number of nieces, nephews and other family members.