Melba Harris

Melba “Bo” Harris, 82, a cherished mother, devoted wife, and beloved member of the Ocean Springs community, passed away surrounded by unwavering love from her family on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and tireless dedication.

Born to W.A. and Geraldine Smith, Melba was raised with a deep appreciation for family, faith, and sports—traits that would define her life. Like her father, she had an unwavering passion for athletics and was an exceptional tennis player. Her heart, however, belonged to the Ole Miss Rebels, and she proudly stood as one of their biggest fans.

Together, she and David built a life rooted in hard work and service. As entrepreneurs, they worked side by side with their family to create opportunities and bring meaningful benefits to the town of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Her faith was central to her life. A long-time member of First Baptist Church, Melba was deeply involved in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, where she and David joyfully led and served together. She found joy in the outdoors, cherished time with her family, and treasured every peaceful moment spent at Horn Island. Melba’s warmth, strength, and generosity touched all who knew her. Her legacy will live on in the lives she impacted, the faith she lived out daily, and the family and community she so dearly loved. Melba Harris will be deeply missed, but her memory will remain a guiding light to those who were blessed to know her.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, David Harris, Jr.; her parents, W.A. Smith and Geraldine Smith; and her beloved son, Steven Dale Harris.

Melba is survived by her children, David (Bunny) Harris III and Jay "Kembo" Kemball Harris; grandchildren, Isaac Steven "Zeke" (Morgan) Harris, Jesse David Harris, Carson Elizabeth Harris, and Haley Kathryn Harris; and great-grandchild, Emersyn Laine Harris; and siblings, Lou Jean (Terry) Webb, Jeanette (Tommy) Wells, and Angie (Mark) Hooker.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in Melba’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Light.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Ocean Springs. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Ocean Springs.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family of Melba Harris.