Melba Ruth Foster Blakely, a good and faithful servant answered the Master’s call and
quietly passed from her earthly labor to her heavenly reward on Sunday afternoon
February 4, 2024. She was a member of Macedonia for 80 years and worked in her
community for more than 60 years until her retirement.

Melba was born on January 24, 1934, in rural Spartanburg County near Boiling Springs,
SC. She was the last surviving child of Bernice Foster and Milton Turner. Melba was
the wife of the late Lonnie W. Blakely of Spartanburg, SC. Ms. Blakely had one sister,
Mable Foster Thomas (Perceval) of Charlotte, NC and two brothers William C Foster,
Seattle, WA, and Jesse (Carrie) Bridgeport, CO. who have all departed this life.
Ms. Blakely joined Macedonia Baptist Church in 1944 and participated in a variety of
church programs. She served as a Sunday School teacher for 27 years and served in
the Daycare Program and the Missionary Society ministry.

Melba started working early in life helping her mother with washing and cleaning jobs
near their Aden Street home. Her love of education started at Freemont Elementary
School, where her mother cleaned classrooms and Melba enjoyed reading books. In
1966, a Carver High school teacher recommended Melba to participate in President
Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society program. Melba was employed as a classroom aide
supporting the desegregation in higher education efforts. Her appointment was
approved by the Superintendent of Spartanburg City Schools as a classroom aide to
help children adjust to integration. Ms. Blakely initially worked at Carver Junior High
School for 10 years, before accepting a new position at Jenkins Jr High. She later
worked at Park Hills Elementary School before retiring in 1996 with 30 years of
distinguished service.

She was especially active in community-based organizations and local voter
registration programs well into her retirement. Her early work with the Democratic Party
led to a protracted career in Voter Registration and Elections activities. Local officials
and community activists often met with her to discuss issues and concerns in the city.

Melba enjoyed her work with the Spartanburg Board of Elections and her community
involvement encouraged others to participate in voter registration and serve as an election commisioner.

She participated in three notable organizations to include the SC Association of
Registration and Election Officials, the Boy Scouts of America, where she received the
Silver Beaver Awards for Service and the C.C. Woodson Recreation Center Advisory
Council

Her civic and service activities extended to Jeptha Chapter, the Order of Eastern Stars
(OES), PHA. XI Sigma Philos, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., where she was
recognized as Regional and National Philo of the Year.

She also graduated from Spartanburg Methodist College with an associate degree with
honors. Mrs. Blakely completed additional coursework at USC-Spartanburg and
Spartanburg Methodist College.

Mrs. Blakely is survived by four sons, Ronald (Diane), Brandywine MD, Bruce (Sheila)
Spartanburg, D. Wayne of Spartanburg, SC and William (Dianne) Augusta. GA., one daughter,
Cynthia who preceded her in death.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 12:00 noon at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC. Burial will be in the Lincoln Memorial Garden, Drayton, SC.