Melba Lorraine Ferguson

With hearts full of love and gratitude for the time we had, we share the passing of our beloved Melba Lorraine Pearson Ferguson, who went home to be with the Lord on March 12, 2025, at the age of 98. She passed peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and love. Melba was born on August 21, 1926, on a farm in Montgomery, Texas, where she learned the values of hard work, humility, and the simple joys of country life. She was one of six children and was raised with love by her parents, Frank and Lucille Pearson, alongside her brothers and sisters, Margaret, James, Frances, Ona, and William. Raised with the values of hard work and perseverance, she carried those qualities throughout her life. On April 25, 1942, Melba married the love of her life, William Lee Ferguson, in Houston, Texas. Their love was strong, rooted in faith, and stood the test of time for 54 wonderful years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and dedication to their family that will carry on for generations. Melba was a woman of simple joys and deep faith. She spent 20 years dedicating herself to raising her family as a devoted housewife, always ensuring her home was filled with warmth, kindness, and the aroma of home-cooked meals. After raising her children, Melba embarked on a new journey, where she worked 20 years as a bookkeeper for Wayne Reeves Plumbing Company, and Selig Chemical. The following 16 years Melba served in the child nutrition department for New Caney ISD ensuring that countless children received nourishing meals with a warm smile. She retired in 1997, having spent her life taking care of others. Whether it was a warm meal in a school cafeteria or a home-cooked supper at her own table, Melba had a way of making sure everyone felt loved and cared for. Her greatest joy in life was her grandchildren, whom she loved beyond measure and was delighted to be known as “Mamaw”. She poured her heart into their lives, offering wisdom, laughter, and unconditional love. She was their biggest cheerleader, always encouraging them to chase their dreams and embrace life with kindness and strength. She was a woman of unshakable faith, with a heart as big as Texas. She had a knack for making others feel special, whether through her gentle words, her delicious cooking, or simply the way she listened with an open heart. Melba was greeted in Heaven by those who went before her loving parents, Frank and Lucille Pearson; her brother, James Pearson; her sisters, Margaret Pearson Rhea and Frances Pearson Gorka; her beloved son, Ronald Ferguson; and her devoted husband, William Lee Ferguson. Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort knowing she is now in the arms of Jesus. Her love lives on in those she leaves behind son Frank Ferguson and wife Mateldia, daughter Gloria Ferguson Baker and husband Vernon, daughter-in-law Pat Ferguson, sister Ona Pearson Heide, brother William Pearson and wife Mary; grandchildren Rhonda Ferguson Bayless, Karen Baker, Stacey Ferguson Rhodes and husband Dusty, Robert Allen Baker and wife Bridget, Crystal Ferguson Mayes and husband Dennis, Andrew Ferguson, and Brian William Ferguson; great- grandchildren Tyler Lee Guillory and wife Rikette, Mallory Rhodes Canton and husband Cody, Justin Mayes, Quincy Baker, Presley Mayes, and Walker Lee Ferguson; great-great- grandchildren: Dawson Lee Guillory, Sterling Guillory, Tessa Guillory and soon to arrive, Caroline Lorraine Canton; numerous nieces, extended family members, and dear friends Melba leaves behind a lifetime of beautiful memories for her family and friends to cherish. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. Her life was a testament to God’s grace, the power of a mother’s love, and the beauty of a life well-lived. She leaves behind footprints of faith and kindness that will never fade. A celebration of her life will be held at Benui Baptist Church on March 18th with visitation at 10:30am, services at 11:00am, followed by private family burial. In lieu of flowers, Melba requested that donations be made in her memory to Benui Baptist Church, as she always believed in spreading God’s word. Serving as pallbearers are Robert Allen Baker, Andrew Ferguson, PhD, Brian William Ferguson, Tyler Lee Guillory, Justin Mayes, Dennis Mayes, Cody Canton and Dusty Rhodes. “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23 Rest easy, Mamaw, your work here is done, and we know Heaven has gained a beautiful soul, but we will see you again.

Melba Lorraine Ferguson

August 21, 1926 - March 12, 2025