Melba Ruth Leigh

Melba Ruth Leigh, 76, of Gulfport, MS passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at her home in Gulfport.

She was born in Rusk, Texas on November 7, 1948, to Carl Ellis Minchew and Ella Mae Smith Minchew. After completing high school, she was co-owner and secretary of J&L Television until retirement, and she also worked at Walmart making many more friends.

Melba enjoyed crocheting and needlepointing and loved making things for others and her family. She enjoyed watching thrillers and suspense movies especially the original Star Trek. Spending time with her family and watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren play was one of her favorite pastimes. She loved dancing with Dom, Rebecca's fiancé.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, James R. Leigh, Sr.; her son, James R. Leigh, Jr.; granddaughter, Angie Leigh and grandson, Jimmy Leigh; and a sister, Carlene Hamilton Fraim.

Survivors include her children, Stanley and Wynell Leigh and Richard and Shannon Leigh; grandchildren, Chris Leigh, Justin and Kelley Leigh, Richard Leigh, Jr, Brandon Leigh, Rebecca Leigh and Jacob Leigh; 10 great grandchildren; siblings: Robert, Johnny and Roy Minchew and pets Pumpkin, Jasmine and Jasper.

The family would like to thank all of her friends and coworkers that she loved so much.

There will be a celebration of her life on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 1:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Melba's home at 12530 Alphabet Road, Gulfport, MS 39503.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Melba Ruth Leigh.