Melba (Burris) Vaughn

Melba Burris Vaughn was born January 14, 1936, in Quinton, OK to the late John and Bernice Burris. She passed away November 26, 2024, at the age of 88. Melba married Jay Vaughn in 1956. Although divorced, they remained friends until his death in 2019. 

Melba was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother affectionately known as “Memaw.” She was especially loved by her grandchildren, babysitting them often as infants and throughout their growing years. 

She loved sewing and quilting, sewing cheerleader uniforms, doll clothes, princess dresses for grandchildren, and home décor drapes for family members. She was a member of a quilting club where she thoroughly enjoyed sharing quilting patterns. Melba was also an avid reader, as she was known to stay up late at night to finish a book she had started that morning. She was a sports fan in general, but her favorite pastime was watching and cheering for the Arkansas Razorbacks. 

Melba was a devoted member of the Saint Paul Global Methodist Church, where she especially enjoyed her friends in Sunday School class. She also participated in many of the United Women in Faith activities over the years. 

Melba was especially proud of her Choctaw Indian heritage, moving to Calera, OK in the Choctaw Nation for the last couple of years of her life. 

Melba is survived by her daughters, Sharon Dunseath (Bob), Karen Hillis (Jack), Janece Lawson (Phil), and Trecia Pate; eleven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Melba is survived by her sister, Helen Burris Willis; and brothers, TJ (Jack) Burris and James (Blue) Burris. 

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Saint Paul Global Methodist Church, Searcy, AR. Services will be held for the family at Agent and Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, OK. Viewing will be at 1:00 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024, with service to follow at 2:00 PM.