Melba L. Johns was born on Tuesday, June 13, 1939, in Meigs, Georgia, to the late Preston Johns and Retha Mae Walker. She was the fourth of eight children. Shortly after her birth, Melba and her family moved to Palatka, Florida, where she was reared and was educated in the Putnam County School District at Central Academy.

At just 17 years old, Melba experienced the unexpected transition of her mother and stepped into the responsibility of helping raise and care for her younger siblings. This early experience shaped the woman she would become—strong, selfless, nurturing, and willing to sacrifice for the people she loved. She learned early that love often requires service, and she carried that lesson throughout her life.

Melba was the loving mother of 14 children, nine of whom survive her. She raised her children with love, faith, and determination, often as a single parent. She took great pride in providing for her family and made every effort to ensure that her children never lacked what they needed. Family was at the center of her life, and she embraced every role she was called to fulfill— daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, sister-in-law, and friend.

Her care extended well beyond her immediate family. Melba welcomed neighborhood children into her home and often cared for them as though they were her own. She was generous with her time, her food, and whatever she had to give, offering a meal, a helping hand, or simply a safe and welcoming place. Her compassion and generosity touched many lives, often without recognition or expectation of anything in return.

Melba was a hardworking woman. She worked as a housekeeper, approaching her work with diligence, responsibility, and attention to detail. Whether caring for her family, her home, or those around her, she believed in doing things well and giving her best. She was also an amazing cook. Food was one of the ways Melba expressed her love and brought people together. Those who enjoyed her cooking will remember not only the meals she prepared, but the warmth and generosity that accompanied them.

Melba had a special love for plants and flowers and truly had a green thumb. She found joy in planting, tending, and watching things grow. She could nurture a struggling plant and bring it back to life, taking pride in the beauty she cultivated. Her garden was a reflection of her own nature—patient, attentive, diligent, and committed to helping those in her care flourish.

Melba loved the Lord, and her faith remained an important part of her life. She began her Christian walk at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as an usher, Sunday School Superintendent, and Deaconess. She was also a member of First Born Church of the Living God. Through her service, she demonstrated a faith that was not merely spoken, but lived through devotion, humility, perseverance, and care for others. Melba was a virtuous woman in the fullest sense of Proverbs 31:10–28.

Melba was preceded in eternal rest by her parents, Preston Johns and Retha Mae Walker; her son, JD Wright; and her brothers, Lonnie Johns, David Johns, and Gregory Johns.

Melba entered the sunset of life on Monday, August 31, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. She leaves to celebrate her life and carry forward her legacy: her children, Robert “Rock” Johns of Belen, NM; Edward Johns of Palatka, FL; Lonnie “Lion” Johns of Belen, NM; Ajaj “Rosco” Latif of Palatka, FL; Latif (Tonia) Abdullah of Daytona Beach, FL; Anthony “Tony” (Anita) Wright of Riverview, FL; Raymond (Chelesa) Gibbs of Cary, NC; Terrence (April) Simmons of Riverview, FL; and Bryan Simmons of Atlanta, GA.

She is also survived by her siblings: Martha Washington of Tallahassee, FL; Milton Johns of Palatka, FL; and Irene Johns of Palatka, FL; 24 grandchildren, including one expected to be born in the near future; 9 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church family, and friends.

While her family mourns her absence, they also celebrate the remarkable life she lived. They will remember her love, her cooking, her green thumb, her faith, her strength, and her unwavering commitment to family. They will remember a woman who gave plenty, endured much, loved deeply, and always found a way to provide.

Her children and all who loved her can rise and call her blessed—not because her life was without hardship, but because she met life’s challenges with courage, faith, strength, and love. 

The measure of her life is found not simply in the 87 years she lived, but in the lives she nurtured, the people she helped, and the love she gave.

Melba has fought the good fight, finished her course, and kept the faith. Her legacy lives on.