Melba Louise Saffles

Melba Louise Saffles, 87, of Cleveland, TN passed away on Thursday March 3, 2022. She was born on September 6, 1934 to the late Bill and Sybil Bennett. Melba was a lifelong resident of this area and a charter member of Waterville Baptist Church. Before that she was a member of Big Springs Baptist. Melba taught Sunday School and volunteered heavily at the church as a youth leader, serving bereavement meals, and serving in the choir. She was very gifted musically, also singing in a quartet for many years. Melba enjoyed spending time with family on the river. Melba worked at Halls Broom Factory right out of high school and then went to work at Draper and Darwin Clothing Store. She finished her career serving as a part of the janitorial staff at Waterville Baptist until she was 75. Melba truly had a servants heart and was a loving mother. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her mother and father, she is preceded in death by her husband R.D. “Cub” Saffles; brothers: Cecil Bennett, Winston Bennett, and Sam Bennett; brother in law Jimmy “J.C.” Dykes.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her two children Doug Saffles (Ann Spaziani) and Karen Saffles Slater (Ron); two grandsons Slade Saffles and Mason Metcalf; sisters Pat Williams (Glenn) and Lynn Dykes. She also leaves behind her best friend since high school, Linda Stephens.

A celebration of Melba’s life will be held at 2pm on Tuesday March 8th at Companion Funeral Home with visitation prior from 12pm to 2pm. She will be laid to rest following the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Melba or your condolences with her family at www.companionfuenrals.com. Memorials may be made to the Caring Place for the Student Sac Pac Program.