Melba Ruth Foster Blakely Obituary in Spartanburg at J.W. Woodward Funeral Home

Obituary For Melba Ruth Foster Blakely

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.

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Deeply Adored was sent for Melba Ruth Foster Blakely - February 10, 2024

Send flowers for Melba Ruth Foster Blakely

Dr. James K. Calhoun sent The Peace Lily for Melba Ruth Foster Blakely - February 08, 2024

With my deepest condolences.
Sincerely, Dr. James Kevin Calhoun

Curtis Davis sent Serene Lily Basket for Melba Ruth Foster Blakely - February 05, 2024

I have so many wonderful memories of Mrs. PeeWee going up. I am so thankful to have people in my life that are a shinning star. Thanks for the love. Love Curtis Davis and Family.

Rest in peace sweet lady. I will miss you at the elections office. B Joyce washington

My prayers are with the family leonard Lee lyles Jr. Lance lyles Fred lyles Quartez lyles missy lyles

My prayers are with the family pee wee was a wonderful lady Towanna lyles, Holland Mike Holland Margaret lyles bop lyles, layah lyles, Keeamber lyles, Derrick lyles, Denaya Lyles. Tig lyles Palmer

Rest in Jesus, sweet angel. Your work here on earth was consistent, with loyalty, much love and grace.To Wayne and family, our prayers, sympathy and love are extended to you. Rev. Dennis and Mrs. Tina Smith

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.RIH

Condolences to you and your family Wayne.

Mrs. Blakey will be truly missed

Melba Blakely was a loving, kind, and sweet woman. She will be remembered as a pillar in her love for her family, community, and her church. Her life was spent serving others. She left a great legacy and will truly be missed. Rest in Heaven Melba. Love, Phyllis Hosley

Deepest condolences to the Blakely family. And may you all continue to receive comfort from the one, who comforts us all Victor(Hazel)Gary and Family

Mrs. Blakely was a surrogate neighborhood mother who I met a few decades ago. Her oldest son, Ron, and I share many memories. She was most kind to all the guys in the neighborhood, but refused to tolerate nonsense. She could discipline with a single glance and there were times when I thought she possessed super powers because she seemed to know what I was thinking before I knew what I was thinking. She was a great listener. The fact that she is no longer with us would sadden me if I didn't know where she is. She is forever in our hearts.

Mrs. Blakely was a surrogate neighborhood mother who I met a few decades ago. Her oldest son, Ron, and I share many memories. She was most kind to all the guys in the neighborhood, but refused to tolerate nonsense. She could discipline with a single glance and there were times when I thought she possessed super powers because she seemed to know what I was thinking before I knew what I was thinking. She was a great listener. The fact that she is no longer with us would sadden me if I didn't know where she has gone. I say has because she is in the presence of Jesus ❤️

Sorry for your loss.I will be praying for God give you Strength, doing this difficult time. Prysock family.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family

Mrs Blakely made a difference in my life and I loved her. Her personality and love for People was awesome she never met a stranger. Let your memories of your love one bring you comfort .

Our heartfelt condolences to the Blakely family. She was such a kind and sweet spiritual person. I met her at Macadonia Missionary Baptist Church. I always enjoyed calling and talking to her. She will be missed. Ernestine M. McCarroll Spartanburg, SC

Sorry to hear about a lovely Lady God Bless and strengthen the Family Joyce Robinson Spells

Melba will always be remembered in my heart. She was one of the kindest persons I have ever met. I met her some 40 odd years ago through Philos of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. I was new and my chapter was new. She was so patient and taught me so much. She was a truly remarkable woman, someone I could always call and talk with. May she rest in peace and may God walk with the family during this time of sadness. She was a jewel.
Ethel Jones, Chattanooga, TN - Gamma Theta Sigma Philos

Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Dr. Betsill, Worthy Matron Jeptha No. 21 Order of the Eastern Star

Condolences To The Family of Melba Blakely.It was a pleasure to work with her at The Spartanburg County Registration Board ,and Election Commission. Melba Blakely was a Precinct Manager (par excellence)for many years. Servant of God Well Done Rev. Dr. Booker T. Sears, Jr Goodwill Baptist Church Bronx, New York

Condolences from Good-Brown Family 💐Father James Brown and late mother Sarah Good Brown Carver Classmates from the 50's. My mom always talked fondly of Mrs.Blakely. God Bless You 🙏🏿

Prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 and condolences to the Blakely and Foster family. Mrs Blakely was my daughter teacher at Park Hills School She kept those kids in check. Mrs Blakely take your rest because your time here was well served The Woodruff, Vernon and Austin families

My Deepest Sympathy To The Blakely Family. Mrs. Blakely Was Strong Willed Black Woman. Very Much Respected!! She and My Mother Were Deconess Sister's.With Love and Prayers Deveda English

My condolences to the Blakely Family. Hark-Hark a place has been prepared for thee. Mrs Melba may God bless and watch over thee. Amen. Douglas E. Martin.

I was saddened to hear of Mrs. Blakley's passing. She and I worked at the former Park Hills Elementary School. She was always serious about her work and wanted to help all of the students in her kindergarten class be prepared for first grade. Dr. Patrick Suber

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Mrs Blakey was a wonderful person who touched the lives of many. May you find strength and solace in the memories you shared together.
Eddie and Tomicko

Our heartfelt condolences to the family.Mrs Blakey sincerely a sweet lady and always carried a gentle smile on her face I enjoyed her when she was assisted at Park Hill School she will be missed The Reeder Family

Deepest sympathy is extended to the Blakely family. We had the opportunity to work together at the City of Spartanburg and what a beautiful person to work together.
Evangelist Ella Williams

Deepest sympathy to the Blakely family.
Evangelist Ella Williams

My condolences and prayers to the family of Mrs. Melba Blakely. She will be greatly missed. She was like a grandmother to me. Rest in Paradise! Tameka Evans-Watson

Take your rest now Ms Blakely well deserved 👏. God Bless 🙌 🙏 the Blakely family Peace and Blessing. Paulette Wilson Spartanburg SC

Aunt Pee Wee I Love You & Always Will Love You. Spartanburg S.C Will Never Be The Same. Rest Peacefully You & Unk♥️
Love You,Neat&Family♥️ Forever & A Day ♥️

Our family condolences and well wishes goes out to each family member as you mourn the loss of Mrs Blakely a woman and friend highly respected and that will definitely be missed She touched each member of our family in a role from parents to the youngest child. Foster and Blakely Family may God continue to bless each of you. The Miller, Pitts, Jackson and Roland Tucker Sr. Family

" Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning" Believing this scripture as I remember the well lived life of my, bonus Mom, my friend and my partner. We always talked. We were each other's "sounding boards" We served together in many organizations. Will miss her friendship and words of wisdom. Thankful to God that He allowed our paths to cross. Saundra Giles Gaffney

Love you aunt Peewee loveyou Tig Lyles Palmer she was a wonderful sweet woman

My prayers are with the Foster and Blakely Mrs Melba was a wonderful sweet woman I ever meet I just love her we all call her aunt Peewee

Praying for the family of Mrs Blakey. She was a sweet lady. One of the best teachers I've had contact with.

Honoring our neighborhood educator. Loads of love to the family.

My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to the Blakely and Foster Families. Ms Blakely was a true lady in every sense of the word! She was always very caring and compassionate toward others. She would do whatever she could to assist others always with a beautiful smile and words of encouragement. She was a very dedicated member of the Philo Organization of Sigma Gamma Rho International Sorority, Incorporated oftentimes serving as a national officer. She will be sorely missed. May GOD provide you with the needed strength during your time of bereavement. GOD bless you all! Dr Lula C Thompson Goodwine Sigma Gamma Rho International Sorority, Inc Columbia, SC

Wayne I am so sorry for your lose. I will be praying that God give you strength, doing this difficult time. Felisa Fernanders Byrd

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

J.W. Woodward Funeral Home | Spartanburg, SC