Melba Esther Khalaf Obituary (1932 - 2019)

Melba E. Khalaf was born in Ruston, Louisiana during the Great Depression on November 8, 1932 to Walter Bayne and Eloise (Barker) Bayne. She slipped away from us on Friday, October 25 at the age of 86 years in a beautiful setting in Dickinson, Texas. She married her husband of 55 years, Jalal Khalaf, in Jackson, Mississippi in 1964. Soon after they were married, they moved to Chicago, Illinois. She delighted in the snow, adored working in the jewelry department at Macy's on Rush Street, and absolutely loved the hustle and bustle of the big city. Much to her chagrin, in 1967, they moved to Texas and eventually settled in Pasadena, where they remained for many years. After Jalal retired from Shell in Deer Park, they enjoyed travelling to Louisiana to visit family and to play the slot machines near Lake Charles. In 2004, they relocated to League City, Texas to be near their cherished grandson, Anthony Bucek. Melba was a devoted wife and mother and an even more devoted and loving grandmother. She cared deeply for her son, Robert and for her daughter, Diane. When she was healthy, she never missed a game or an event that involved her Anthony. Melba was always a kind and gentle spirit who loved animals and nature. She was an extremely gifted artist who worked in oils, pastels, and in pencil. She was an avid reader and a talented writer with an exceptional command of the written word. Her favorite book was The Bible and she always kept a King James version beside her. One of her favorite hobbies was shopping for clothes and shoes with her daughter. In her later years, she enjoyed walking in the mall with her husband and grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Bayne and Eloise (Barker) Bayne, her sister Billie Mae Willis, and her sister Doll White. Melba is survived by her husband, Jalal Khalaf; daughter, Diane Bucek; and grandson, Anthony Bucek, of League City, Texas; and son, Robert Bliss of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by her brothers Earl Bayne of Farmerville, Louisiana and Charles Bayne of Dubach, Louisiana. Melba was loved more than words could ever express. She left an impression upon the hearts of her family that time or space will never diminish. Her faith in God was unwavering and deep. Her love was warm and true, and, with it, she defined what it meant to be a family. A visitation will be held at 11:am, Monday, November 4th 2019, at Carnes Funeral Home, Texas City, TX, followed by a funeral service at 12:00pm. Pastor John Putch officiating.