Melba Griffin Sheffield

Melba Griffin Sheffield, 94, of Quitman passed away peacefully on September 9, 2022. She was born on August 3, 1928, in Rocky Face, Georgia, to Bert and Marie Griffin. She grew up in North Georgia and graduated from Berry College during the years of Martha Berry, where she worked in the weaving room.

She taught school in North Carolina prior to working as receptionist to Gov. Marvin Griffin where she met the love of her life who was serving in the Georgia Legislature. John and Melba were married on April 27, 1957, at Frost Chapel on the Berry College campus and moved to Quitman. She taught Business Education at Brooks County High School and even after retirement, her former students loved talking about their time in Mrs. Sheffield’s class. She was an avid bridge player and volunteered as a pink lady at Brooks County Hospital.

Quitman United Methodist was the church she loved for over 60 years, where she was a second mother and grandmother to many. Melba was a voice of reason in the many committees on which she served and an active member of the Friendship Sunday School Class.
Her home on West Lake Drive was a gathering place and a haven to her family. Whether it was cheering on the Dawgs, celebrating special occasions or just being together, the door was always open.

She is survived by her children, Susan & Chuck Steel of Valdosta, Betty & Wayne Cox of Monroe, and Johnny & Teresa Sheffield of Hahira; grandchildren, Adam & Nicole Steel, Elizabeth & Chris Milstead, Brandi & Lee Howell, Brent & Kathryn Cox, Aldyn & Brandon Sires; great-grandchildren, Gwyneth Steel, Shelby Steel, Bennett Steel, Georgia Grace Milstead, Dallas Howell, Dalton Howell, Jack Cox, Annie Cox, Smith Sires, Grey Sires; sister-in-law Ellen Griffin & many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John Sheffield; sisters, Charlotte Griffin Terrell & Willie Griffin Long; brothers, Wade Griffin & Steed Griffin.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 15, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Quitman United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Craig Rikard & Rev. Ronnie Wills officiating. The family will be receiving friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 2263 Pineview Drive, Valdosta, Georgia, 31602, or Quitman United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 857, Quitman, Georgia, 31643. Flowers are also appreciated.

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