Melba Smith-James

Melba Joan Smith-James of Potosi, Missouri passed away on July 15, 2015 at the Mercy Jefferson Hospital having reached the age of sixty three years, nine months, and twenty nine days. She was born on September 16, 1951 a daughter to the late Melvin Thomas and Virginia (Heifner) Sanders.

Those who remain to mourn her passing are her beloved husband William "Bill" James of Potosi, Missouri; two sons: Chris Davis of Potosi, Missouri and Gary Henson and wife Stacy of Belgrade, Missouri; two daughters Pam Gibbs and fiance Todd Hamilton of Bonne Terre, Missouri and Lisa LaChance-Meredith and husband David of Webster Grove, Missouri; four step sons Willie, Tommy, Ricky and Michael James; one step daughter Becky Wall; two brothers Don Sanders, Sr. and wife Kathy of Vandalia, Illinois and Warren Sanders and Larry Love of St. Louis, Missouri; sister Paulette Pratt and husband Dennis of Cadet, Missouri; twenty six grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; her loving dog "Snuggles;" and many other extended family members and friends.

In addition to her parents, Melba is preceded in death by her first husband William "Bill" Smith and great-grandson Sebastian Garvin.

Visitation for Melba was held on Saturday, July 18, 2015 at the DeClue Funeral Home from 4:30 PM until 8:00 PM. Funeral services were conducted on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at the DeClue Memorial Chapel at 2:00 PM with Rev. Kent Sanders and Rev. Don Sanders officiating.

Honoring Melba by serving as her pallbearers will be Chris Davis, Gary Henson, Willie James, Tory Ashley, Tony Lindell, David Meredith, Michael Stewart, and Justin Ashley.

Internment and final prayers will be held at the Sunset Hill Cemetery. All funeral arrangements have been cared for by the DeClue Funeral Home.