Melba D. (Barnett) Smith

Melba D. Smith, 87, of Cowan, passed away on Monday, March 17, 2025, at her home.

Melba was born on September 3, 1937, in Jamestown, TN to the late Joe and Pearl Barnett. Melba attended York High School in Jamestown before moving to the area. She worked in the closure plant at Ball Corp. for 28 years before her retirement. Melba was a member of Luray Nazarene Church. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren.  

Melba is survived by two children, Jenice Smith of Wabash and Clayton Smith (wife Amanda) of Muncie; five grandchildren, Ryan Swingley (Girlfriend Tiffany), Joey Rankin (wife Breanna), Michael Smith (wife Gracie), Alexander Smith, and Gabriel Smith; two siblings, Bill Barnett (wife Shirley) and Wanda Roysden; a sister-in-law, Bobbi Barnett; and several nieces and nephews.

Melba was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, Norman Smith; two grandsons, Christopher Rankin and Tyler Rankin; and eight siblings, Geneva, Pansy, Homer, Clinton, Finley, Marie, Pearly, and Denny Barnett.

A funeral service to celebrate Melba’s life will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, March 21, 2025, at Gant Funeral Homes – Yorktown Chapel, 2215 S. Broadway St. in Yorktown. Pastor Tim Smith will officiate. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery at Springport.

Friends and family may gather to share and remember from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm Thursday and one hour prior to the funeral on Friday at Gant Funeral Homes – Yorktown Chapel.

Share a memory of Melba and leave your condolences at www.gantfuneralhomes.com

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