Melba Mayo Hayley

Melba Mayo Hayley entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Dec. 9 and is celebrating with no pain or suffering. She is giving all her heavenly loved ones the current events of those who survived her on Earth. She dearly loved those of us who survive her as evidenced by her compassion, caring and kindness she gave to us all.

Graveside services for Melba were held Dec. 13 at 2 p.m. at Mixon Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Doug Dudley officiating.

Melba was born Dec. 29, 1932 in Kilgore to Raymon M. and Burla Mae Mayo. She lived most of her life in Tyler, graduating from Tyler High school in 1950 and later Tyler Commercial College.

Melba retired from Trane Corporation in 1996 with many friends and co-workers she considered family. She continued her work and extended her “family” by delivering nuclear medicine for Nutech until her illness could no longer allow. Each person at Nutech was her family and every young man was her “little boy.” She never met a stranger. She was always quick with a smile that was warm and infectious. She instilled in each of her survivors the willingness and openness to love and accept everybody. Melba offered assistance and kindness to everyone, even at her own expense, confident God would take care of her needs.

Church was a vital element in Melba’s life and she was always active in her church. She kept the nursery for several years at Tyland, Baptist Church. She was currently an active member of Whitehouse Church of Christ, helping and giving of her time whenever needed.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Raymon and Burla Mayo; two sisters, Shirley Ann and Janie Ellen Mayo; and one brother, Claude Mayo.

She is survived by her special companion of 30-plus years, Hubert “Pete” Ledford of Troup; her son and daughter-in-law, Charles Michael and Donna Hayley of Tyler; daughter, Cheryle Hayley, Elyria, Ohio; twin daughters, Charla Kelley, Quitman, and Carla and son-in-law John Hill, Arp; sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Floyd (Curly) Stevens, Whitehouse, and R. Morris Mayo Jr. and sister-in-law Annette, Lake Monroe, Fla. She had six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and nieces, and nephews. Her “adoptive son,” Danny Allen, Tyler, also survives her.

Pallbearers were Tony Stevens, Todd Hayley, Heath Hill, Joe Davenport, Charles Bragg, Steve Mayo and Danny Allen. Honorary pallbearers were Nutech employees.

A special thank you to all who assisted with her care, including Dr. Julia Hwang, Dr. Charles Haas and staff at the Blood and Cancer Center of East Texas, Sandy Steele, Deborah Pinke, all the staff at Hospice of East Texas, Dr. Jonathan Markowitz and Pulmonary Associates staff, as well as the Tyler Mother Frances Continue Care Staff. Her well-being and comfort was foremost with all of you. ,

Donations may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, 75701.