Melba "Mam" Childress Obituary

Melba “Mam” Childress was a devout Christian woman who could often be found running the library or vacation bible school at First Baptist Church in O’Donnell, TX. Her love for Jesus was the only thing that preceded her love for her family, who were by her side when she passed on May 17, 2025.

Melba was born to Oscar and Mildred Furlow on September 3, 1943. She was a devoted wife, married to Pat Childress on June 10, 1961. Together they farmed and raised two children, Clay Childress and Kathy Childress Grant. Pat and Melba left a legacy of Love, having been married 61 years.

Her compassion and servant’s heart led her to spearhead several missions over the decades, from organizing and running the Peace by Piece Quilting club, mentoring women for over 17 years to visiting with and taking food to people in the community who couldn’t leave their homes. Mam was strong and determined and could be found hoeing weeds in the fields with her grandkids. Hunters from around the world spent hours sitting around her dinner table enjoying her renowned cooking and good conversation.

Melba was a cherished mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She always had fresh cheese rolls and bread pudding ready when her grandkids came to visit and had a home cooked hot meal for anyone who stopped by for lunch. Her beloved husband, Pat Childress, parents Oscar and Mildred Furlow, sister Portia Tillinghast, and granddaughter Kasha Grant preceded Melba in death. Mam is survived by her children, Clay Childress (Lauren) and Kathy Childress Grant (Dusty Rogers). She is also survived by five grandchildren: Britt Childress (Merrida), Amber Childress Runyon (Lee), Portia Grant, Chambry Murdock, Patrick Grant, and six great grandchildren: Evelyn, Abigail, and Ivey Childress, Tucker and Cooper Murdock, and Greyson Hennsley. She is also survived by a sister, Katherine Kniffen (John), a brother Bobby Joe Furlow (Linda), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

The family of Melba “Mam” Childress will receive friends at a visitation on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 5 to 7 PM at Combest Family Funeral Home in O’Donnell, 510 8th Street. Graveside services will be held at 10 AM on Monday, May 20, 2025, in the Plain View Cemetery in O’Donnell (Dawson County). Following the graveside services, a Memorial Service will follow at 11 AM in the First Baptist Church – O’Donnell, 701 Standefer Street. Rev. Taylor Wood, pastor of First Baptist Church – O’Donnell, will be the officiant, and he will be assisted by Jackie Stidham. Services are under the personal care and direction of Combest Family Funeral Homes.

The pallbearers will be Colt Middleton, Scott Brewer, Julian Gutierrez, Christian Dixon, Ben Franklin, Travis Mires, Randy Cook and Bruce Vaughn. The honorary pallbearers will be Richard Dixon, Buster Snellgrove, Don Blair, Tom Ed Vestal and Mike Bagley.

In lieu of flowers, Mam’s family asks that you kindly consider making a memorial donation to Open Door Ministries at First Baptist Church – O’Donnell, 701 Standefer Street, O’Donnell, TX 79351, or to the Lynn County Hospital District Foundation, 2600 Lockwood, Tahoka, TX 79373.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and special thanks to Lynn County Hospital for the love and excellent care they provided Melba in her last days on this earth.