Melba Jean Phipps

Mrs. Melba Jean Phipps, age 60 of Calhoun, Georgia; went home to be with the Lord and was reunited with her father, Jesse F. Fisher, Sr. on Saturday, September 11, 2010 after her three year battle with colon cancer. Melba was a very strong woman and it was her strength and faith in the Lord that gave her the ability to fight her cancer and the challenges of her treatments. Melba loved to be outdoors planting a garden, tending to it throughout the summer and then canning and freezing all she had grown. She enjoyed taking the RV out with her husband and going camping with her family. She was always busy doing something. Melba was a devoted wife and loving mother who always put her families needs and well being above her own. She was born in Gordon County and a lifelong member of New Zion Baptist Church.

Melba was preceded in death by her father, Jesse F. Fisher, Sr. as well as her grandparents; Mr. & Mrs. Tom Fisher and Mr. & Mrs. John Daniel.

She is survived by her husband, Eddie Phipps of the home. Two daughters and sons in laws; Sabrina and Tony Williams and Tania and Joel Garland. A nephew that was very special to her and she loved like a son; Doug Ralston and his wife, Sandy. Five granddaughters who were the sunshines of her life; Taylor, MaKailea and Jessye Williams and Summer and Brooklyn Garland. Her mother; Mary Fisher. One sister, Mary Frances Ralston and one brother, Jesse F. Fisher, Jr. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

During all the times of cancer treatments; Melba became close to a lot of people who shared in the same fight; but of everyone she met she gained a close and loving friend who was and still is fighting cancer; Beatrice Eager-Rice. Bea not only lifted her spirits, encouraged her in her fight with cancer and held her hand when she was sick but she held up to the promises she made to her and took care of Melba's family when they needed someone the most.

Funeral services for Mrs. Melba Jean Phipps will be held Monday, September 13, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the New Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Lamar Bearden and Rev. Jacky Waits officiating. Active pallbearers will be Lynn Phipps, Kevin Phipps, Bryan Phipps, Jacob Phipps, William Daniel, Jr. and Johnny Daniel. Honorary escort will be her granddaughters. Interment will follow in the Harmony Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday evening during the hours of 4 until 9 pm

Online condolences may be expressed and the guest book may be signed at www.maxbrannonandsons.com

Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun, Georgia; a legacy of compassion and care is conducting the funeral services for Mrs. Melba Jean Phipps of Calhoun, GeorgiaA