Melba Wallace Smith

WILSON – Melba Wallace Smith, age 87, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023. Born in Nash County, NC on August 11, 1935, she was the daughter of the late George C. Wallace and Mabel Lee Morris Wallace. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Louis Elton Smith, Sr. Melba started her career as a teller at Planters Bank and retired as Assistant Vice President and Administrative Assistant to the CEO at RBC Bank, retiring in 1997. She was a very faithful and devout Christian. Melba was a longtime member of Red Oak Baptist Church where she was active in many church groups including Sunday school and bible study. She was also very active with Meals on Wheels in the community for many years. Melba was also well known in the community for her pound cakes and going bargain shopping. She took many girl trips with her girlfriends and enjoyed traveling around the United States with her husband. Melba spent lots of time at her beach house at Emerald Isle and she was all about her grandchildren. She has a loyal feline companion, Lillie, who would spend hours in her lap. Melba was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, and will be truly missed by all who knew her. Melba is survived by her son, Louis Elton Smith, Jr. and wife, Tammy, of Wilson; her daughter, Ellen Smith Brown and husband, Ed, of Wilson; Haley Smith Day and husband, Wilson, Hunter Smith Willette and husband, Dylan, William B. Brown, Joseph S. Brown, and Hannah E. Brown; her great-grandchildren, Ella Day, Waylon Dressler, Millie Willette, and Noah Willette; her brother, Clarence Wallace and wife, Joyce; and her nephew, Wayne Wallace and wife, Grace. A Funeral Service to celebrate Melba’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Red Oak Baptist Church, 4861 Church Street, Battleboro, NC 27809 with Rev. Larry Cusak officiating. Burial will follow the service at Red Oak Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Red Oak Baptist Church. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Melba’s memory to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, 450 West Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27599. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.