Melba Jean McDaniel Barker, 83, passed from this earth on Monday, September 14, 2020 at Lynnfield Place Assisted Living in Selmer, TN. Do to COVID-19, there will be a private family graveside service at Salem Cemetery.
Melba was born October 5, 1936 in Alcorn Co. MS to the late Clarence and Maggie McDaniel. She married James Edwin “Bud” Barker. She was member of Tate Baptist Church and a 1951 graduate of Corinth High School. Melba began her work career in radiology at Community Hospital in 1951 as a lab technician. She later went on to work as a radiology technician at Magnolia Regional Health Center for 55 years, retiring in 2012 at the age of 75.
Everyone knew where they stood with Melba. She would let you know if your shoes were not polished, uniform not ironed or colors not coordinated. She would not hesitate to offer assistance in correcting such issues. It has been said that if a physician ordered an unnecessary or incorrect x-ray she would let them know, in her “Melba Way”. Everyone knew when she was at work by her signature perfume; even patients commented on how she smelled so heavenly. She truly loved all her “kids” at Magnolia as she called them. She was known for her love of family, the Lord and shopping around town at her favorite local stores. After retirement she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Bud Barker; parents; brothers, Bill McDaniel, Horace McDaniel, Don McDaniel; and sisters, Sue Benjamin, Joyce Osborne, and Hazel Blakely.
