Melba Rhyne Smith

Melba Rhyne Smith, 73, of Dallas, went peacefully to be with her Lord at Robin Johnson House on August 31, 2023. She was born February 1, 1950, in Gaston County, to the late Jacob Miller Rhyne and Kathryn Roberts Ballard Rhyne.

Melba was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, and a friend to all. She is loved and will be greatly missed. She loved decorating, sewing, gardening, crafts, cardinals, and Christmas.

Melba was an assistant teacher in Gaston County, Richmond County, Henderson County, and at First Wesleyan Christian School in Gastonia. She was a devoted pastor’s wife with husband Rev./Dr. Thomas Smith who served at Newton First Wesleyan Church, Nebo Wesleyan in Hamlet, NC, Bethel Wesleyan in Flat Rock, NC, and New Hope in Christ Church in Hendersonville. She is presently a member of Firestone Wesleyan Church of Gastonia where she loved singing in the choir.

Left to cherish her memories are her husband of 54 years, Thomas William Smith; sons, Byron Smith (Sandra), Andy Smith (Erin); sister, Ruth Sapp (Chuck); grandchildren, Parker Smith, Karis Smith.

Her family will receive friends from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Firestone Wesleyan Church on Saturday, September 2, 2023.

Melba’s memorial service will follow at 11:00 AM with Rev. Don Avore officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Firestone Wesleyan Church, 1700 Union Rd., Gastonia, NC 28054 or Gaston Hospice, PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054.

To offer condolences, please visit www.siskbutler.com.

Arrangements by Sisk-Butler Funeral & Cremation Services, Bessemer City.