She was the widow of Billy Alford Christy, a hairdresser, secretary and bookkeeper and a member of Pauline Baptist Church. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a son, David Russell "Rusty" Cotham; the father of her sons, Keith Cotham; one sister, Joyce Ann Derryberry and a niece, Ashley Derryberry.
Survivors include one son, Brad Cotham and wife Frances of Hamburg; three brothers, Tommy Derryberry and wife Linda and Billy Derryberry all of Monticello, and Larry Derryberry of Albany, KY; five sisters, Judy Stodgehill and husband Larry, Jeannie Selby (who cared for Melba for 8 years) and Coctha McVay and husband Barry all of Monticello, Janice Yarbrough and husband Carl of Mayflower and Lolly Hill and husband Rob of Perryville; grandchildren, Candice Cotham, Heather Hendrickson, Terry and Karen Hendrickson, Angie Goings and Jimmy Bush; a special great-niece, Kelli Cotham Lowery of Rison; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
A private family graveside service will be held 4:00 p.m. Thursday, July 6, 2017 at Wilmar Cemetery with Rev. Buddy Lemons officiating. Memorials may be made to Wilmar Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 132, Wilmar, AR 71675. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(13)
Mikle or Melba Christie
Haynesville, LA Thursday, July 27, 2017 Sorry to hear of your loss. I have the same first name she was on Facebook at the same as me and since we have the same name it has caused my site to try to be closed down to so if you can help me in any way with this I would appreciate it.God bless you
Melba Christie
3185231398
Marijo Pruett Miles
Springfield, MO Thursday, July 6, 2017 Words alone can never express the sorrow of losing a loved one. My prayers are with all of your familyJanice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, July 6, 2017 You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you peace and comfort in your loss. Your family has always been verys special to me.With love & sympathy,
Janice
Irma and Alvin James
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 5, 2017 To family: Melba was a special person. Considered her a dear friend as well as all you as her family. Always pleasant to visit with her. She will be missed. Send our love and hugs.Janell Luster Ray
Fordyce, AR Wednesday, July 5, 2017 I worked with Melba as a hairdresser in the mid 1960's in Monticello. A sweet lady.My prayers and condolences to the family at this time.
John & Paige (Hill) Stell
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 5, 2017 You are all in our thoughts and prayers.Love, John, Paige, & boys
Beth (Feeser) Langdon
Warren, AR Wednesday, July 5, 2017 Our thoughts and prayers are with you!Cherry Cotham
Monticello, AR Wednesday, July 5, 2017 So, sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts & prayers.linda rowe funderburg
monticello, AR Wednesday, July 5, 2017 i my condolence to melba's family God bless yo'll... i went to shool with melba at watsonBeverly Cokley
Dermott, AR Wednesday, July 5, 2017 I am so sorry to read about Melba's passing. She and I, and other members of the Derryberry family go back a long way. Judy and I were classmates, and Melba and I became good friends later on. She was such a character, a fun and generous lady. I know you will all miss her. My deepest sympathies to the families during this sad time. She will not be forgotten.Love.
Beverly
linda rowe funderburg
monticello, AR Tuesday, July 4, 2017 melba and i went to school together at watson... my condolence to her family God bless you'lllinda rowe funderburg
monticello, AR Tuesday, July 4, 2017 so sorry to hear melba's death prayers for her familylinda rowe funderburg
monticello, AR Tuesday, July 4, 2017 my condolence to melba's family God bless you'll