Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Melba Barnes Spell

Mar 27th, 1934 - Mar 1st, 2020

   Melba Joyce Briscoe Barnes Spell, age 85, of Flora, Illinois, passed away with a gentle breath, Sunday, March 1, 2020, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

   She was born March 27, 1934, in Clay County, Illinois, the daughter of John Martin and Hazel (Aumiller) Briscoe.  She was united in marriage to William M. Barnes and later Johnny Spell and they both preceded her in death.

   Melba worked at the International Shoe Factory and later in the Dietary Department at Clay County Hospital.  She was an active member of the Clay County Hospital Auxiliary and was a skilled seamstress.  She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, and traveling.  Melba made friends everywhere she went and enjoyed everyone that she had the opportunity to talk to.  She cherished time spent making memories with her grandkids and great-grandkids.

   She is survived by her children: Bruce (Francie) Briscoe of Flora, Doug (Cathy) Briscoe of Louisville, Brenda Briscoe of Arizona, Chris Briscoe (Lester Linneweber) of Washington, IN, David (DeAnn) Barnes of Flora, and Helen “Candy” Barnes of Flora; grandchildren: Kim Briscoe, Misty Shannon, Steven Adams, Dustin Barnes, Trevor Barnes, and Layton Barnes; great-grandchildren: C.J. Richie, Kaitlyn Richie, Isabella Shannon, Red Adams, Betty Adams, Odin Adams, Jase Barnes, Kylan Barnes, and Lawson Barnes; a brother: Jhon “Tom” Briscoe of Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends also survive.

   She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; 3 brothers: Steve Briscoe, George Briscoe, and Paul Briscoe; 2 sisters: Jewel Clark and Lydia Spell; and a grandson: Scotty Devore.

   A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2020, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with Richard Artis officiating.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.  Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Friday evening and 10 a.m. until time of service on Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to either Clay County Hospice, Fur A Good Paws, or Clay County Animal Rescue and Shelter and will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence visit: www.frankandbright.com