Mrs. Melba Stewart McNiel, 81 of Delhi was born in Iowa, LA on January 26, 1942, to the union of F.M. and Tressie Stewart. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the Deerfield Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Delhi, LA. Melba was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend during her life. She was a devoted Christian woman who enjoyed church services, fellowship with her friends, and singing hymns. Melba was baptized in September 1951 in Vinton, LA, and enjoyed a faithful relationship with Christ throughout her life's ups and downs. She could often be heard saying in hard times, "I don't need to talk about it, I just pray about it". Melba was a devout seamstress who loved to crochet, color, read her Bible, and visit with her friends and family. Melba was happiest when she was in the presence of her beloved family and friends and greatly enjoyed recalling memories and family genealogy of years ago.

Melba was welcomed into her eternal home by her parents, her husband Bobby McNiel, her daughter Rita Antley, two sons James Edward McNiel and Roger Lee McNiel; granddaughter Kristy Leah Nettles; great-grandson Michael Ashton Nettles, brother Gary Stewart, and sister Frances McMurray.

She is survived by a daughter Becky Delores Broussard and husband Chuck of Livingston, TX, and son Darren McNiel, and wife Glenda of Livingston, TX; 19 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter, and one great-great grandson on the way, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the staff at Deerfield Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Delhi Hospital, and Crossroads Hospice for the kindness, dedication, and care provided to Melba until her passing.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 4:00-7:00 at Cox Funeral Home in Delhi, LA.

Services will be held in Livingston TX, at Cochran Funeral Home with a visitation on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, from 5:00 -7:00 and a funeral service on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 10:00.