Melba Joyce Hazelwood Phelps, age 87, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025 surrounded by family. Born on May 11, 1938 in Southmayd, Texas. Melba lived a full and meaningful life rooted in family, faith, hard work, and a deep love for the outdoors and all things related to sports.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, L.V. Phelps. Together, they built a life centered around their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.
Melba is survived by her two children, Rodney Phelps and his wife, Taffie, Andrea Phelps Douglass and her husband, Ross. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Bradley Phelps, Courtney Wyatt, Marcus Sanchez, Zachary Sanchez, Jordan Douglass, Logan Douglass, and Cydney, Wright, and her great-grandchildren, Knox Wyatt, Nolan Wyatt, Navy Wyatt, Tatum Phelps, Walker Phelps and Stetson Wright. Her Parents W.D. and Mozelle Hazelwood preceded her in death as well as her brother, Freddie Lee Hazelwood.
No one had a stronger work ethic than Melba, her dedication was unrivaled no matter the task. She had a variety of experiences throughout her life. In her early years she was a switchboard operator before taking a job at Bomber Bait assembling the Bushwacker lure. As the needs of her family changed, she became a Whitesboro ISD school bus driver. The major perk of that job was getting to see her son play at most of his away games. When LOF Glass Company came to Sherman, Texas, she began a long career there working on the line trimming plastic. She made many lifelong friends at each of her jobs.
A true lover of the outdoors, Melba was passionate about her yard and garden. She took great pride in winning “Yard of the Month” multiple times in Whitesboro. Whether she was tending to her flower beds or nurturing her vegetable garden, she was happiest in her yard on a hot summer day.
Melba was super competitive when it came to sports. She played softball for over 40 years, pitching for both the LOF team and the church softball league. She enjoyed watching countless games that her kids and grandkids played in over the years. She was never shy about shouting encouragement from the stands or fields. Though she didn’t spend much time in front of the television, Melba was a spirited sports fan. She cheered passionately for her favorite Texas teams, the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, and the Texas Rangers, and when necessary, even the Dallas Stars.
Melba will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, her loyalty, her green thumb, and the love she poured into her family.
Funeral services honoring Melba will be held at 10:00 AM on Sunday, August 17, 2025 at Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro, officiated by Rev. John Reynolds. Interment will follow at Collinsville Cemetery in Collinsville, Texas. No formal visitation is planned.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider planting something beautiful to enjoy in her memory.
Thank you for the beautiful memories.
Finding my Phelps family is something I’ll always cherish.
Barbara Phelps-Adamson
Rodney, Taffie and the Phelps family. As you go threw the loss of your awesome mother. Please see these words of encouragement. Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow,
but remember her in every tomorrow. Remember the joy ,the laughter, the smiles.
She has only gone to rest a little while.
Al and Linda Dozier
Linda and Al, thanks for the kind words. Rodney and Taffie
Thanks for the note as she will be missed by all for sure
Your mother was such a sweet lady. She loved her family! Sending peace and strength to all of you. With heartfelt sympathy, Janice &family
Janice, Thanks for the note and kind words….mom will be missed by for sure.
Rodney
Beautiful tribute to your mother. Prayers to you and your family . Regards , John and Andrea Glasgow
Andrea and John,
Thank you for the kinds words and thoughts…the flowers you sent were beautiful. It’s great to have friends like you.
Rodney and Taffie
Melba was a very special person to me. We always had the best time. She had the funniest sense of humor. I am so lucky to have known her. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. I will miss watching the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers with her. I take pleasure in knowing that she has front row seats to all the games now. I am sure she will put in a word with God to let the Cowboys go to the Super Bowl. I’ll miss you Melba!! Gone but not forgotten.
Jenny,
Mom loved your company and your love of sports…it meant a lot to us the time you were able to help take care of her and how engaged you were in her also. Thanks for being there.
Rodney, Taffie, Andera and Ross
Years ago I played softball with Melba Joyce. So many memories. Rest in piece
Rodney, Taffie and the Phelps family. As you go threw the loss of your awesome mother. Please see these words of encouragement. Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow,
but remember her in every tomorrow. Remember the joy ,the laughter, the smiles.
She has only gone to rest a little while.
Al and Linda Dozier
Hit the heart real hard loosing such an amazing person. Wasn’t sure what to say or do honestly. Melba will always have a special place in the Hogan family. I learned so much from melba and bubby, i will keep with me forever and share with my babies. Good luck heaven, you caught yourself a keeper 💜
Kathy,
Thanks for the note and she loved to play softball as that was always a passion of hers.
Such an amazing aunt, friend, and person ❤️ So happy to be around you ❤️ You will be dearly missed. You were mine and Steve’s best aunt.
Pam,
Thanks for the note and all the things you have done for mom over the years. We will all miss her for sure.
Rodney and Taffie
Sorry for the lose of a wonderful loving caring hard working lady.She will be missed by many.Go rest Melba u have gained your wings.RIP.
Evelyn,
Thank you for the kinds words and yes, she was one of the hardest working person that I have ever known too.
Rodney
What a lovely tribute to someone so obviously loved. We know you will cherish the special memories as you move through the comping days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Rodney, Taffie & family.
the Stephs
Melissa and Chris,
Thanks for the note and kind words. Mom was a great person and she will be missed by a lot of family and friends.
Rodney and Taffie
You will always remember what it felt like to be loved by your mom. My heartfelt condolences to Rodney, Taffie and the Phelps Family.
Kazue,
That was so sweet of you to reach out. Thank you for the kind words and thoughts. Yes, there is no other than your mom that you have that special bond. Thanks again for the thoughts.
Rodney and Taffie
Andrea,
We had such a lovely visit with your mom surrounded by friends and neighbors
not many weeks ago when you brought her up for a visit. We are so thankful for that time we got to spend together. We will always treasure many sweet memories of your mom and dad.
With love and sympathy to you, Rodney, and family,
Greg & Carol Golden and Linda McConnell
Greg and Carol
Thanks for all the kind words and thoughts. You guys were a part of Mom and Dad’s memories throughout their lives especially surround North Ave Baptist Church. Thanks for always being there when they needed.
Rodney, Taffie, Andrea and Ross
I am so sorry to hear about Melba. I’ve know her since we were in our twenties. Played so many softball games with her. And we won most of them. My prayers are with you all. Rest in Peace my dear friend?
Robbie,
Thanks for the note and I remember a lot of softball games where you guys played together whether in Sherman, Whitesboro or Gunter. She loved her time playing softball…Thanks for reaching out.
Rodney
Rodney and family I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Her and your dad were so sweet. She was so nice and her yard was always beautiful she will b missed by so many prayers for family that this time goes by fast but leaves y’all with all your memories of a life time. Love yall
Janie,
Thanks for the note. She did love working in her yard as it was one of her passions. We will all miss her.
Rodney, Taffie, Andrea and Ross