Melba Sharon Lewis Gifford

Melba Sharon Lewis Gifford passed away Thursday, April 24, 2014.

What a remarkable woman she was! A lady with so much faith and will power to live, and so many dreams of what she would like to do with her life (if only she had good health).

She was definitely a people person. She loved everyone and wanted everyone to love her. She was very interested in her friends at dialysis, her nurses and aides that came to her home and those who cared for her when she was in the hospital or a rehab facility.

After graduating from Weatherford High School, she was married to the love of her life and care giver, Charles Gifford, for 49 years and 9 months. She was planning and looking forward to having a 50th wedding celebration with Elvis (Doug, a cousin) entertaining.

Melba received her Associate of Arts degree from Weatherford College, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from North Texas State University and a Master of Arts degree in deaf education from Texas Woman’s University. She was a very smart lady and had an excellent memory.

She compiled a cookbook, wrote several songs (which she recently received a copyright on) and she was in the process of writing a book for deaf children.

She was interested in numbers, signs, colors and birthdays. Jewelry and clothes were her fascination. She would notice what you were wearing along with your jewelry and was always complimenting how one looks. Also, if you did something to help her she was always ready with a big “Thank You.” Her favorite pastime was playing rummy and four out of five games she was the winner!

Survivors: husband, Charles; mother, Mildred Skiles and step-father, E.J.; aunts, Ann Davis, Mary Durham and husband, Ben and Martha Boecker and husband, Bill; brother-in-law, Richard Gifford; sister-in-law, Diane Gifford; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and techs at Fresenius North for the many years of loving care for Melba. Many thanks also to the doctors and nurses for their loving care given to Melba in the CVICU at Baylor All Saints Hospital in Fort Worth.

Memorials may be given to the National Kidney Foundation of North Texas, Inc., 5429 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Ste. 250, Dallas, Texas 74240-2617, phone, 1-877-543-6397.

Memorial: Tuesday, Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, at 1:00 p.m.