Obituary of Melba Lee Mikel

Melba Lee Nunnelley Mikel, age 81, a long time citizen of Clarksville, passed away Saturday, January 15, 2011, culminating a lengthy battle with respiratory disease (C.O.P.D.) She was born in Honey Grove, on March 21, 1929 to Pat and Ethel Nunnelley. Melba attended public schools in Clarksville and graduated from Clarksville High School in 1945. She continued her friendship with eight of her best high school friends throughout her life, who along with her, will forever be known as the “Nasty Nine”. Melba met the love of her life, Reagan Nathan Mikel, upon his return from the Navy during WWII, and married him in 1946. Reagan preceded Melba in death in 1981. Melba will be remembered and missed by her many friends in Clarksville for her work in church and civic functions. A faithful member and devout parishioner, she was a Deaconess and the Secretary/Treasurer of the First Christian Church of Clarksville. She was also active in the Chamber of Commerce, the Courthouse Restoration project and the civic organizations, PRIDE and RSVP. Melba was employed by Capps Insurance Agency many years, continuing to work until health problems forced a slow down in early 2010. A long time friend of the Capps family, Melba always considered her job at the insurance agency a privilege and not work. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Verhalen, and son-in-law Steve of The Woodlands; grandchildren, Mikel Silvertooth and wife Karen, Stephen Verhalen III and wife Cindy, Rachel Tolbert and husband Jason, Jennifer Buzarde and husband Vern, Natalie Grantham and husband Alan and six great grandchildren. Funeral services are 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 19, 2011, in the First Christian Church with the Rev. Charles Long officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Clarksville Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Kyle Capps, Steven Capps, Aaron Capps, Brian Capps, Jim Clark and James Vaughan. Honorary Pallbearers Buddy Vaughan, Jimmy Kelty and Gerald Capps.