Melba Smith, 83, of Carthage, passed away on Sunday morning, April 15, 2018, in Carthage. Melba Faye Lovell Smith was born on Nov. 9, 1934, in Shelby County to the late Bud and Lillie Mae Clopton Lovell. She graduated from Center High School with the class of 1952. Melba married Frank Edward Smith on Aug. 3, 1952, in Center and he preceded her in death on Aug. 26, 1998, after 46 years of marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Smith moved to Carthage from Center in 1955. She was a member of the Order of the Easter Star #747 where she formerly served as worthy matron. Mrs. Smith enjoyed sewing, painting and fishing. She was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church. Mrs. Smith was also preceded in death by her sisters, Dorothy Taylor and her husband John and Mary Lee Killen and her husband George and brothers, Howard L. Lovell and J.B. Lovell and his wife Nettie.

Survivors include her sons, Frank H. Smith and wife Patsy of Salida, Colorado and Michael E. "Smokey" Smith and wife Judy of Carthage; grandchildren, Chris C. Smith and wife Miranda, Haley Smith and fiance' Alex Perez, and Rebecca Smith Childs and fiance' Jeff Smith; great-grandchildren,  Madison, Brianna, Ryan, Ali, Hannah, John Michael, and Hayden; numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Freddy Mason officiating. Interment will follow at Restland Memorial Park near Carthage. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Earl Clabaugh, Clayton McGuire, Randy Reid, Terry Bailey, Ronnie Taylor, Patrick Sharpe, George Shuttlesworth, and Steve Shuttlesworth.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Marian Place for the loving care provided to Mrs. Smith for the past 6 years.

Memorials may be made to the Marian Place Education Fund, 1690 NE Loop, Carthage, TX 75633 or Neal McCoy East Texas Angel Network, 2802 Gilmer Road, Suite 1, Longview, TX 75604.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.