Melba Dowden

Melba Louise Bearden Dowden, 87, of Nederland, died Tuesday, October 2, 2018, at Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston. She was born July 24, 1931, in Beaumont, to Katie Henrietta Kelcher and Clyde West Bearden.

Melba was a strong christian example for her family and others. She enjoyed caring for her family and her home, as well as, her job as a probation officer with Jefferson County Adult Probation Department.

Survivors include her daughter, Rhonda Dowden Jacobs, of Port Arthur; son, Darell Dowden (Janice), of Lumberton; grandchildren, Jana Jacobs Leibo (Jonathan); John Bryan Jacobs (Lisa); Jay Derek Jacobs; Cody Dowden (Sara); Mandy Arceneaux (Aron); great-grandchildren, Justin Jacobs; Kaden Leibo; Kaia Leibo; Jonah Arceneaux; Jenna Arceneaux; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Thomas Dowden; sister, Clytie House; and brother, Willard Bearden.

A gathering of Mrs. Dowden’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with her funeral service at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, October 6, 2018, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Her interment will follow at Memory Gardens of Jefferson County, Nederland.

Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas, 66675.