Melba Jo Ferrell

Our dear, precious mother, Melba Jo Ferrell passed away on Friday, July 10 after an illness that was fought with courage and grace. She was the joy of our lives, bringing sunshine and laughter to us every day. On the darkest of days, she could always see a patch of blue sky. Jo was the most beautiful person inside and out, and her ever-present smile and positive attitude will be dearly missed. She was born in Sherman, Texas on Cherry Street to Lillis and W.G. (Bill) Watson on October 24, 1923. They moved to Dallas and subsequently to Tyler where she went to Tyler High School and Tyler Junior College. Jo joked that she learned to fake playing the clarinet well enough to march with the band and become a majorette. Jo lived at Emerald Bay for the last 43 years where she was in involved in church, charitable and social activities. She loved to dance and entertained senior citizens in nursing homes and at the fair with her dancing group the “Sophisticats”. Jo was an avid golfer and mahjongg player and lived her 91 years to the absolute fullest. A member of Quairo Literary Club since 1969, she was a voracious reader who had a quick mind. Jo could tell a joke with the best of them, and she is sure to have everyone laughing in heaven. We are all better people for having known her, and she had a knack for making all of us feel like we were her favorite. Her family was the greatest source of joy in her life and she never missed an opportunity to generously dole out her affection, approval and undying loyalty. At TJC she met Buddy Ferrell, the love of her life, and upon first sight swore that he was the man she would marry. They both attended Baylor University and married on Christmas Day in 1943. Jo and Buddy were married 71 adventurous years. He preceded her in death. She is survived by her beloved children; Sherry Adams (Dana), Oran Ferrell (Paula), and Pam Shillinglaw and her sister-in-law Dr. Marjorie Roper. Family and faith were her priorities, and she was an exemplary role model for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Grandchildren include Nelson Clyde (Elizabeth), Andrew Clyde (Leigh), Anna Malone (Brandon), John Clyde (Sarah), Caroline Wall (Cullen), Corby Ferrell (Meredith), Aaron Paul, Taylor Harper (T), and Patrick Buckley (fiancée Maggie). Great Grandchildren include Sarah Clyde, Cal Clyde, Rachel Clyde, Jamie Clyde, Ferrell Clyde, Slade Clyde, Claire Malone, Emma Malone, Morgan Wall, Sutton Wall, Madison Ferrell, Gigi Ferrell, Addison Paul, and Ferrell and Tommy Harper. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The funeral service will be held Monday, July 13, 11:00 a.m. at Emerald Bay Community Church. Thank you to our precious caregivers from Genesis ExtraCare, Archa, Katherine, Stephina, T, and Willis. We also want to thank Genesis HomeCare and Hospice of East Texas. Donations in memory of Jo may be made to the Dr. O.L. Buddy and Jo Ferrell endowed scholarship at the University of Texas at Tyler, 3900 University Boulevard, Tyler, TX 75799, Hospice of East Texas, 4111 TX-248 Spur, Tyler, Texas 75701, or Emerald Bay Community Church, 160 La Salle Rd, Bullard, TX 75757. Romans 8:38: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Melba Jo Ferrell

October 24, 1923 - July 10, 2015