Melba W. Pennington, age 96, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2023, in Paris, Arkansas. She was born on August 28, 1926, in Wesley, Arkansas, to Fred and Eliza Brooks. Melba is preceded in death by husband, Afton Pennington; son, James D. Pennington; brothers, Lloyd Brooks and Lewis Brooks; sisters, Gladys Lawson, Ruby Sizemore and Pauline Samuels.

Melba and Afton married on December 24, 1945, and were married for sixty-four years. In 1948, they moved from Arkansas to Fullerton, California, where they raised their three children. In addition to caring for her family, Melba worked over ten years at Gordon Lane Convalescent Hospital in Fullerton and served the Lord alongside Afton in a number of churches in California and Arkansas. Over the years she was a constant source of support and encouragement in Afton's ministry, but leaves her own legacy as a dedicated and faithful Christian woman and prayer warrior who loved God with all her heart. In 1993, Afton and Melba returned to Arkansas, settling in Springdale where they enjoyed being near family. Melba was a talented quilt maker and loved cooking for her family and anyone else in need of a home cooked meal. She and Afton shared a love of camping and fishing and spent many hours in the outdoors together and also with friends and family.

Melba was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt who will be deeply missed. Melba lived her life looking forward to the day she could be with Jesus. She is with him now and has reunited with friends and family in heaven. There is much rejoicing. Melba leaves behind daughter, Janet D. Tanner and her husband Larry of Fullerton, California; son, Jerry D. Pennington and his wife Judy of Paris, Arkansas; granddaughter, Ashley Pennington-Haney; grandsons, Michael Pennington, Mark Pennington and Jeremy Pennington; great grandchildren whom she loved. She also leaves behind a number of loving nieces and nephews who brought her great joy and comfort.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 3, 2023, from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. at Memorial Funeral Home in Springdale, Arkansas. A graveside service will follow at 12:30pm at Drakes Creek Cemetery in Madison County, Arkansas