Melba Dumas Brashier, 84 of Farmerville, La., was called by Jesus to her eternal home on Sunday, January 6, 2019. Melba was born in Union Parish on September 20, 1934 to Jerry and Pearl Adkins Dumas and was the youngest of six children. She graduated from Farmerville High School in 1952 then moved to the YWCA in Monroe to attend business school. Melba retired as a tax auditor after a 30-year career with the State of Louisiana.

Melba was a charter member of Martha Randolph Chapter, Colonial Dames XVII Century and served two terms as chapter president. She was also a charter member of the D'arbonne Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Melba spent many years as a genealogist, compiling information for Vol. II, Dumas Families of Union Parish. Melba had a tender heart for animals, especially cats. She and her husband, Clyde, rescued numerous cats and dogs over the years. Also, Melba was a breast cancer survivor.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings, Vera Thomas, Carine Nolan, Orell Aulds, J.D. Dumas, and Myra Simpson and one son Donnie Hicks. Melba is survived by her husband of almost 16 years, Dr. Clyde Brashier; two daughters, Pam Hicks Yeckley and husband Fran of Farmerville (formerly of PA), Debbie Hicks Woods of Tampa, Fl.; and son David Hicks of Farmerville. Her dearly loved grandchildren are Ben Woods, Jeri Woods, Francis Yeckley, Sam Yeckley, and Amber Hicks. Also, there are eight great-grandchildren.

Melba was a member of First Baptist Church of Farmerville where her funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Enterprise Cemetery where Melba served on the board of Enterprise Cemetery Association for many years. The visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at Farrar Funeral Home in Farmerville.