Mrs. Melba C. Cheaney's Obituary
Funeral Service for Mrs. Melba C. Cheaney, 94, of Alexander City, Alabama, will be Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the Bethel Baptist Church South. Rev. Andy Kinman will officiate. Burial will follow in the Bethel South Baptist Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Radney Funeral Home.
Melba Champion Cheaney, a cherished and devoted matriarch, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. A lifelong resident of Alabama, Melba was a beacon of love and faith, leaving a legacy of warmth and dedication to her family and community.
Born to Travis Thurman Champion and Ellie Roxana Champion, Melba grew up with a strong foundation of family values. She graduated from New Site High School, where she cultivated a love for learning and service that would last a lifetime. Melba's professional journey led her to work as a meticulous bookkeeper at Cary Cox Chevrolet and Darwin Dobbs, where her diligence and attention to detail were greatly valued.
Melba's life was defined by her unwavering love for her family. She is survived by her loving children: Sandra Cheaney (Bill) Hearn of Ashland, AL, Martha Cheaney (Randy) Boyd of Sylacauga, AL, Terry L. (Connie) Cheaney of Cragford, AL, and Michael D. (Kelly) Cheaney of Cragford, AL. Her light will continue to shine through her ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren, who will carry her spirit and values into the future. She also leaves behind her special friend, Renea Marbury, and the caring staff at Chapman's Healthcare, who became an extended part of her family. Melba was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Seaborn Decosta Cheaney, Jr., her sister, Shelby Wolfe, her brother, Charles Champion, and her parents.
A faithful servant of the Lord, Melba was a dedicated member of Bethel Baptist Church South for over 76 years. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her role as a church clerk, where she served with grace and devotion. Her unwavering faith and thoughtful nature were a source of inspiration and comfort to all who knew her.
Melba's interests and talents were as varied as they were rich. She was an avid reader, always eager to explore new worlds and ideas within the pages of a book. Her love for cooking was an expression of her love for her family, with every meal prepared a testament to her nurturing soul. Melba's competitive spirit shone brightly during friendly games of Rook and Bingo, where she enjoyed the camaraderie and challenge.
In quieter moments, Melba found joy in expressing her creativity through painting on her iPad and quilting, leaving behind beautiful works that her family will treasure. Her artistic talents were just another facet of her multifaceted personality, reflecting her keen eye for beauty and detail.
Melba Champion Cheaney was a loving, faith-filled, and thoughtful woman whose impact on those around her was profound. Her legacy is one of love, dedication, and service—a legacy that will echo through the generations. As her family and friends bid farewell to this remarkable woman, they take comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched. Melba's life was a tapestry of love and faith, woven with the threads of kindness and compassion, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
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