Melba Jean Boyd Sumlin

Melba Jean Boyd Sumlin, 96, went to be with her Lord on December 27, 2024. Melba was born in Ruston, on Oct. 10, 1928, to David Harvey Boyd and Bessie Jones Boyd.

She attended A. E. Phillips, Ruston High School and Louisiana Tech University. Melba retired from Willamette Industries in Ruston, and she was a longstanding member of Temple Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughters, Dianna Sumlin Stone (George) of Ruston, Carole Sumlin Sexton (Edison) of Baton Rouge, and son James Robert Sumlin Jr. of Richardson, Texas . She was very proud of her grandchildren, Ashley Sexton Gordon (Chuck) of Baton Rouge, Melissa Sexton Gomez ( Wade) of Baton Rouge, Lauren Stone Torrey (Scott) of Madison, Miss., Andrew Sexton (Ashley) of Fulshear, Texas, and Suzanna Stone Reneau (James) of Sterlington; and greatgrandchildren, Charles, Elizabeth, Christian and Sarah Gordon, Davis, Lawson, Wyatt and Walker Torrey, Olivia and Hannah Sexton, Ireland Bailey, Andrew and Everett Gomez, and Adair, Davis and Jack Reneau.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years James Robert Sumlin, her parents, and her sister, Gloria Boyd McGuire of Corpus Christi, Texas.

Melba loved to read, enjoyed Bible studies, worked crossword puzzles and relished being visited by her family. She supported numerous philanthropies for the betterment of others. Special thanks to her caregiver Sonya Dufour who took amazing care of her toward the end of her long life.

A private graveside ceremony will take place on Sunday, Dec. 29 in Simsboro. Officiating will be Rev. Dale Oden.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in her name to one of her favorite organizations, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be extended to the family at www. kilpatrickfuneralhomes.