Melba Ruth Spears, age 91, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, widow of James William Spears, passed away the afternoon of Tuesday, July 30, 2019. She was born in North Little Rock on October 29, 1927, daughter of Horace Booker Sr. and Gena Williford Douglass. Melba was a member of Park Hill Baptist Church and she graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1945. Past employment included Twin City Bank, Willow House Crafts & Activities Director, and North Heights Community Art Instructor. Hobbies included a love of painting, arts and crafts, cooking, choir, piano and organ.
She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers Horace Booker Douglass Jr., Charles Eugene Douglass, children Patricia Loftin (Loren), Terry Spears, and a grandchild. She is survived by children Billie Sue Reed of North Little Rock, Michael Spears (Margie) of Ward, Steven Spears (Lee Ann) of Jacksonville, and Thomas Spears (Ada) of Sherwood, sister Lois Clifton of North Little Rock, four grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. with service following at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street. Online guest register at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

Published August 2, 2019