- Date Of Birth: December 27, 1954
- Date Of Death: January 24, 2021
- City: Okeechobee
- State: Florida
Melba Jean Prevatt Pearce went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at the Willson Hospice House in Albany, Georgia. Melba was born December 27, 1954, in West Palm Beach, Florida, to Elzie Lafayette Prevatt and Yvonne Elizabeth Lanier Prevatt.
Melba lived in Belle Glade until after she graduated from high school; during this time she created many friendships that lasted throughout her lifetime- this was evident when she moved home to Belle Glade later in life to live and teach. Melba moved to Okeechobee following graduation and then married and had her children. She became a teacher for many years, teaching all ages of children from first grade to high school.
Later in life, she moved to Georgia, where she lived the remainder of her life. Melba was a member of the First Baptist Church and Oakview Baptist Church, both in Okeechobee for many years and later a member of Bethlehem Freewill Baptist Church in Shellman, Georgia. She was passionate about her faith and truly found her peace in Jesus.
Melba had two other names that meant the world to her, “Mama” and “Granny.” Her greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She doted on them and loved nothing more than spending time with them doing the simplest things from taking a walk to going fishing together. Melba loved being outdoors, she loved watching wildlife and loved a sunrise or sunset. She loved being on the ranch, farm, lake, or doing anything outdoors.
Following her retirement, she enjoyed these things immensely. Another great passion of hers was teaching. Melba was a teacher for thirty-eight years; it was her passion to touch and change the lives of her students. She not only taught school but also taught Sunday School for many years. Teaching was her heart’s desire, and she always beamed when students would tell her what a wonderful teacher she had been and how she had changed their path in life.
Melba will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother “Granny”, sister, and loving friend to those who knew her.
Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Elzie & Yvonne Prevatt.
She is survived by her daughter, R. Elizabeth Pearce of Dawson, Georgia; her son, J. Levi Pearce (Lacy) of Lake Placid, FL; her brother, Wayne (Sharon) Prevatt of Okeechobee, sisters; Sylvia (Mike) Bandi, Frances (Cary) McKee all of Okeechobee, and sister Elsie (Tom) King of Belle Glade, Florida, respectively; and three grandchildren: Carlton Pailey Pearce (9) and Olan Wright Pearce (7) of Lake Placid, Florida, and Avery Jean Pearce (4) of Dawson, Georgia- as well as a host of nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
