Melba Powell Toups, 90, passed away January 14, 2016, in Dallas, after a brief illness.

Melba was born January 31, 1925, in Beaumont, Texas. She graduated from French High School in 1942. Melba and Dennis Toups married on February 13, 1948, and made their family’s home in Beaumont. After later living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Melba returned to Beaumont following her husband’s death in 1983 where she was an active member of Wesley United Methodist Church, volunteering in the church office and participating in the Fidelis Sunday School Class.  She later spent ten years living in Tyler. Melba enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends.

She is survived by her son, Darrell Toups and his wife, Donna Tyler Toups, of Grand Saline, Texas; daughter, Sharon Dent and her husband, Michael Dent, of Denver, Colorado; six grandchildren, Molly Baron; Scott Toups and his wife, Star; Susan Christensen and her husband, Ryan; Dan Toups and his wife, Kate; Douglas Dent and his wife, Jennifer; and Martha Smith and her husband, B.J.;  and thirteen great-grandchildren, Durin Baron, Mark Baron, Kiaya Baron, Ephraim Baron, Miriel Baron, Dylan Toups, Tyler Toups, Claire Christensen, William Christensen, Rose Christensen, Scott Reef Toups, Will Smith, and Henry Dent.

Melba is preceded in death by her husband, Dennis John Toups, Jr.; parents, George Ruffus and Gracie Tryhorn Powell; and brother, William Powell.

Her family is grateful for the caregivers at C.C. Young in Dallas, who provided Melba with extraordinary care during the final two years of her life.

A gathering of Mrs. Toups’ family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Sunday, January 17, 2016, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 18, 2016, at Magnolia Cemetery, 2291 Pine Street, Beaumont.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713 or to C.C. Young Retirement Community, 4847 West Lawther Drive #100, Dallas, Texas 75214.