Melba Escoline Stilley Toler passed away on Monday, March 8, 2010, after more than a 13-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. on March 11, at the High Bridge Cemetery in Caton. Flowers are welcome, but those who prefer are asked to make memorial donations in her memory to Little Swift Creek Fire Department.
Melba was born on May 13, 1923, to Joshua Ivan and Penny Toler Stilley, and spent her entire life in the Caton community. She is predeceased by her husband, Aubrey, and her two children, Rose and Stanley. Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Joshua and Mayona Toler of New Bern; her daughter and son-in-law, Gaynelle and Terry Lewis of Caton; her grandchildren, Richard and Tina Toler; Cristy Lewis, and TJ and Mistey Lewis of Caton. She is also survived by two great-grandsons, Randy Toler of Greenville and Eli Lewis of Caton. Also surviving is the best roommate that a girl can have, Bonnie Broome of New Bern. A debt of gratitude is owed to a wonderful care team of nurses who helped make these last years much more enjoyable: Susan, Sandra, Claudia, Theresa and many others – we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Melba was a farmer’s daughter and was the last surviving of seven wonderful sisters (Delphia Stilley Ipock, Dezelle Stilley Norman, Diccie Stilley Ipock, Delavenia Stilley, Doris Lee Stilley Toler, Melba Stilley Toler and Bernice Stilley Toler).
Melba was a simple woman who loved her family most of all. She was the caretaker of her family and was happiest at her table surrounded by those she loved. She enjoyed gardening and spent many years raising and canning food for her family.
Melba was a small woman with a big heart and never turned her back on anyone she loved. She loved unconditionally and all knew that they were welcome in her home. When you left her home at the end of every visit, you would hear her say, “Come When You Will”… and she meant it with her whole heart. Melba loved children; raised four of her own and was instrumental in raising numerous others throughout the years. Even in the last years of her life, the sound of small children playing made her smile. Melba en-joyed music and during the last few months of her time with us, could be seen with her feet tap-ping to the music. Melba was a Young and the Restless fan and for many years 12:30 p.m. meant time for her “stories.”
Although the last decade of her life, she battled Alzheimer’s, she still taught us much about life and the power of unconditional love. She reminded each of us how important family truly is. There are things this disease took away from her, but it did not and cannot take away the person she was, the love we shared, or the memories that will remain with us always. God Bless You Sunshine, We Love You.
Arrangements are by Pollock-Best Funerals & Cremations.
[Obituary was written by her granddaughter, Cristy, and published in the Sun Journal on March 11, 2010, with some additions by Victor T. Jones, Jr.]