With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Melva Ann Moffett, who departed this earthly life to join her Heavenly Father on May 5th, 2024. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, loyal sister and friend, and faithful servant of God.
Melva was born October 10, 1952 and was the fifth of eleven children and a twin. She graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School and attended West Kentucky Vocational School.
Melva lived a life guided by unwavering faith and profound love. She was a beacon of light in her community, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her love for God, her church, and her family was evident in every aspect of her life.
As a devout follower of Christ, Melva found solace and strength in her faith. Melva accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Burks Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. After marriage, Melva relocated with her husband to Laurel, MS where she was a faithful member of Mount William Missionary Baptist Church in Taylorsville, MS and served on various committees. Upon her return to Paducah, Melva renewed her membership at Burks Chapel AME where she found fellowship with her spiritual family until her death. Melva was a dedicated member, worshiped and served as Stewardess, member of the Missionary Society and Chairman of the Pastor’s Aide. Her commitment to her faith was an inspiration to all who knew her, and her unwavering trust in God's love and grace sustained her through life's joys and trials.
Family was the cornerstone of Melva’s life. She was a devoted wife to Ezra Moffett Sr, her partner in love and faith, for many years. Together, they shared a bond built on love, respect, and shared values. Melva was a loving mother to her children, and a devoted grandmother to her grandchildren. She cherished every moment spent with her family, creating memories filled with love, laughter, and cherished traditions.
Beyond her role as a wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend, Melva Ann Moffett was a pillar of strength and support to her community. She extended her love and compassion to all, offering comfort, encouragement, and a listening ear to those in need. Her kindness, generosity, and selflessness touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her. Having spent much of her adult life in the South, Melva was very well known for her fashion and sense of style; she was a sharp dresser and wore the most elegant hats and suits. When Melva showed up, she was undeniably the best dressed woman in the room.
Melva was proceeded in death by her husband, Ezra Moffett Sr, their son Ezra Moffett Jr; her parents; Joe and Rena Cleary; her brothers John, Wayne and twin brother Milton Cleary.
She leaves to cherish her memory her son, James Cleary (Shaketha) and her daughter Rosetia Woods (Gregory) of Paducah, KY; her grandchildren, Kya Cleary of Paducah, KY, Maya Cleary of Nashville, TN, Tamia Nesby (Tyrone) of Johnston City, IL, Joe Travis Jr of Paducah, KY, Alyssa and Ezra Moffett III of Bowling Green, KY and one great granddaughter, Masiya Cleary; Her sisters, Brenda Payton (William) of Chicago, IL, Karen Dorris (Norman) of Fayetteville, NC, Linda Bell and Rose Cleary of Paducah, KY and Betty Boyd of McDonough, GA; her brothers, JW Cleary (Ardenia) and William Cleary of Paducah, KY; brother-in-law, Paul Moffett Sr. and sisters-in-law, Martha Johnson, Emma Lockett and Alice Jackson all of Houston, TX and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Also left to cherish Melva’s memory are her lifelong friends, Jackie Ross, Cheryl Sullivan, Rosalyn Hill, Deborah McDonald, Janice Graham and Brenda Hatton.
Although Melva may no longer be with us in body, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved her. Her legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to inspire and uplift us in the days ahead.
We take comfort in knowing that Melva Ann Moffett is now reunited with her Heavenly Father, where she experiences eternal peace, joy, and love. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her, and may we honor her legacy by living lives of faith, love, and compassion.
Forever in our hearts, Melva will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024, 12 noon at Greater Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Donna Lohorn officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
The service will be livestreamed beginning at 11:50 a.m. on the Pettus Rowland Funeral Home, LLC Facebook page at pettusrowlandfh.com.
You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.