Melba "Dotsy" Sipriano

Melba “Dotsy” Wells Sipriano passed away peacefully Saturday, May 23, 2026. She was born in Gladewater, TX on December 3, 1945 to Hiram Benjamin Wells and Eunice Frances Cox.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hiram Benjamin Wells and Eunice Frances Cox; and brother Benjamin Donald Wells and husband Isaac Sipriano Jr.

She is survived by her two sons, Isaac (Maria) and Vincent (Devon) Sipriano; grandchildren, Austin (Sydney Brooke), Elizabeth, Carlos, Mila, Vinny, and Ella; great-grandchild, Mary Evans; Sisters in law, Mary Helen Sipriano and Patricia Wells; niece, Wendy Wells Dubose; great nephew, Benjamin Dubose; and her beloved pets, Papi and Bootsy.

Melba attended Gaston (TX) Independent School. She later graduated from East Texas State with a degree in Music Education. On January 25, 1969 she married Issac Sipriano Jr. Together, they moved to Biloxi, MS where they raised two sons. She taught high school and elementary school music in Harrison County and Jackson County, retiring after 28 years. She dedicated her life to music and music education and touched many lives throughout her career and was a long time member of the Mississippi Music Educators Association. Melba was the Pianist and Organist at First Presbyterian Church of Biloxi for forty years. She also played at several chapels on Keesler Air Force Base in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. She continued playing through her final years.

Melba wishes to thank everyone for their support throughout her battle with cancer. Many friends, family and her wonderful church family all helped tremendously throughout her journey.

A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Friday, May 29, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church of Biloxi. Friends are invited to visit one hour prior. Interment will take place at Biloxi National Cemetery on Monday, June 1, 2026 at 10 am.

Pallbearers will include Vincent Sipriano, Ike Sipriano, Austin Sipriano, Carlos Sipriano, Vinny Sipriano, and Ben Dubose.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Melba “Dotsy” Wells Sipriano.