Melba Virginia Howard

  Melba Virginia Howard, 86, of Denver, passed away January 11, 2017 at Olde Knox Commons in Huntersville. Born July 6, 1930 in Iredell County, she was the daughter of the late Edd and Essie Clontz and was married to S.D. Howard for 60 years. She was a real estate broker and owned Howard Realty in Denver.

  Melba was a lifelong, active member of Bethel United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for several years. She enjoyed walking, loved nature, planting flowers, and gardening. She was an exceptional cook and was known countywide for her delicious cakes and pies! Melba also enjoyed traveling with S.D. across the U.S. in their RV. For over three decades, Melba had a very successful career in real estate. Besides owning her own company, she managed Little’s Campground and many rental properties. Most of all, she loved her family.

  Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Sebe D. Howard, Jr.; daughter, Kaye Howard Anderson; sister, Bertie Jean Brotherton; and brother, John L. Clontz.

  She is survived by her sons Alan A. Howard (Kayron) and Seab D. Howard III (Phyllis); daughter, Dayle H. Emanuel (Nick); son-in-law, Greg Anderson; grandchildren, Leeryn German (Tom), Gerritt Howard (Amanda), Blake Howard (Nicole), Gabrielle Howard, Matthew Emanuel (Megan), Andrew Emanuel, Brad Anderson and Karen Wood; and great grandchildren, Cody, Allison, Courtney, Braden, Evan, Caleb, Beckett, Briggs, Emily and Luke.

  A funeral service will be held Sunday January 15, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church in Denver.  The family will receive friends for an hour prior to the service at the church from 1:00-2:00 p.m. The burial will follow the service at the church cemetery.

  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Melba’s name to Bethel United Methodist Church, 7284 Campground Rd. Denver, NC 28037 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Lake Norman, 1420 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204.