Melba Lois Medawar

On June 4, 2026, Melba peacefully left behind the pain and struggles of this earthly life and entered the glorious presence of her Savior. Surrounded by the love of her family and sustained by her lifelong faith, she stepped into her eternal home and came face to face with Jesus.
Melba Medawar was a rare and beautiful soul—a woman whose kindness, grace, and gentle spirit left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She was truly an angel on earth, radiating warmth, compassion, and unwavering love throughout her life.
Born in Texas to John Sheldon and Helen Lyons, Melba grew up surrounded by a close-knit family alongside her brothers, Marc and Rod, and her sisters, Shirley and Penny. From an early age, she possessed a remarkable gift for music. Together with her sisters, she sang in commercials and jingles, effortlessly creating beautiful harmonies despite never having received formal vocal training. Her natural talent was matched only by the joy she found in sharing it with those she loved.
It was in California that Melba met the love of her life, Paul Medawar. Their love story would span nearly 50 years and serve as a testament to devotion, friendship, and enduring commitment. Captivated by her beauty, kindness, and gentle nature, Paul often remarked that he could never have found a better woman anywhere in the world. The wildly adventurous Paul spent countless hours whisking Melba away on the back of his motorcycle, enjoying breathtaking sunsets and creating cherished memories together.
One day, while on a date, Paul said, “Let’s go to Vegas and get married.” She smiled warmly and said yes, and thus their love story continued. A few years later, Melba made the selfless decision to leave behind the familiarity of family and friends in California and begin a new chapter with Paul in Michigan. There, they built a home filled with love, faith, and hospitality in Grand Rapids, where they raised their beloved sons, Daniel and David.
Melba was a devoted wife and a deeply loving mother whose life was centered around her family. As a faithful member of the Southside Church of Christ for 35+ years, she modeled a life of Christian faith, teaching her sons to love and follow Jesus, to treasure God’s Word, and to serve others with humility and compassion.
Though Melba faced ongoing health challenges throughout her life, including diabetes, she never allowed them to diminish her love for those around her. Her family was her greatest joy, and it was evident to all who knew her that Paul, Dan, and Dave were the center of her world.
Her home became a gathering place for countless family members and friends. She was always ready to drive a car full of energetic kids to the movie theater, help them search for the latest Beanie Babies, or welcome them home after an evening of adventures. The refrigerator was always full, the cabinets always stocked, and the door always open. Whether it was bonfires, video game marathons, or sleepovers, Melba made everyone feel welcome, cared for, and loved.
Although Paul and Melba treasured their life together, they often dreamed of having a daughter. That dream was beautifully fulfilled when their sons married. Their family was enriched when Dan married Abby, a gifted musician and teacher whose warmth, faith, and character made her a perfect partner for Dan. Their hearts expanded once again when David married Alison, whose compassion, strength, and spirited sense of humor made her an ideal match for Dave. Melba loved both women as daughters and was profoundly grateful for the joy they brought into the family.
Perhaps no role brought Melba greater happiness than being a grandmother. She was endlessly loving and devoted to Dan and Abby’s four children—Lily, Adele, Marcus, and Matthew—and to Dave and Alison’s daughter, Evie. She delighted in every milestone, every visit, every conversation, and every opportunity to shower her grandchildren with affection. To them, she was not only a grandmother but a source of unconditional love, encouragement, and comfort.
Though her absence leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who loved her, her family finds comfort in God’s promise that she is now in Heaven, where “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4).
Melba’s legacy of faith, kindness, generosity, and unconditional love will live through her husband, children and grandchildren. She was deeply loved, and she will be dearly missed until the day her family is reunited with her again in glory. 
A celebration of life service will be held at 11 am, Monday, June 8, 2026, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, with Rev. Charles Young officiating.  Burial will be held at Blythefield Memorial Gardens.  Relatives and friends may meet the family on Monday from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.