Melba Briscoe Royster, age 82 went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at Peak Resources in Shelby. Born in Rutherford County on March 24, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Gonzalvo and Ola Carswell Briscoe. Melba was a member of Putnam Baptist Church. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Melba’s life was totally devoted to her family and being with her family. She enjoyed camping, cooking, and working in the yard. In addition to her parents, Melba is preceded in death by her husband, John Jonas Royster; two sisters, Aileen Briscoe and Lilly Hensley; two brothers, Solomon Briscoe and Daniel Briscoe; and her first husband, Hall Edelman Maxwell.

Melba is survived by three daughters, Jackie Vassey and husband Roger of Shelby, Lisa Price and husband Jim of Shelby, and Cindy Grigg of Polkville; a son, Jeffery Royster and wife Melinda of Alexis; two sisters, Margaret Gibson of Union Mills and Joan Curry of Rutherfordton; a brother, Edward Briscoe of Forest City; thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday June 7, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Putnam Baptist Church with Rev. Bryan Glisson and Rev. Gary Marburger officiating. Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6:00 pm until 7:30 pm at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, and other times at the home of Jackie and Roger Vassey, 107 Annies Circle, Shelby NC.  

Memorials can be made to Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights drive, Shelby NC 28150, or Alzheimer Association, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte NC 28215

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Royster.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com