Melba Loretta Pierce, age 83, of Cleveland, passed away on Monday, May 20, 2024. She was born in McMinn County, on April 29, 1941, to the late William Frazier Payne and Ida Davis Payne. She worked for over 20 years for the Tennessee Chemical Company, later returning to school and becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked another 20 years for North Georgia Medical Center in Ellijay. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Billie Ernest Pierce; and siblings, Atha Lentz, Eva Ledford, Lloyd Payne, Harless Payne, and Winston Payne.

Melba is survived by her children, Angela (Gary Sternes) Beaver and Randall (Judy) Brendle; grandchildren, Jennifer Fay Allen, Robbie Leigh (Shawn) Allen, Holly Beth (Luke) Lowery, and Nicholas Ryan Beaver; great-grandchildren, Amaya Leora Davis, Alalia Jade Allen, Aiverson Shawn Sealy; Layton Everleigh Lowery; and John Ray Goss; step-sons, Danny (Sherry) Pierce and Dale Pierce; step-grandchildren, Courtney (A.J.) Proudfoot, Gracey Pierce, and Jonah Pierce; step-great-grandchildren, Braxton Green, McKinley Young, and Macy Young; sisters, Hazel Ledford and Charlotte Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM from the Akins-Cobb Copperhill Chapel with Rev. Justin Payne officiating. Music was provided by Dale Payne and Jonah Pierce. Interment followed in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Shawn Sealy, Johnny Johnson, Jr., Jonah Pierce, A.J. Proudfoot, Luke Lowery, and Nick Beaver. The family visited with friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, from 11:00 AM until the service hour of 2:00 PM. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.akinscobb.com.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Copperhill was in charge of the arrangements.