Devout Catholic, Melba E. Smith entered the gates of heaven on the morning of November 14, 2024, in the company of her daughters. She was a beloved member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Garland, Texas.

Melba was born on March 5, 1942, in San Antonio, Texas, to the late Jose and Micaela Espinoza. Her parents immigrated from Mexico and instilled their Catholic family values into Melba at an early age. Melba graduated from Ursuline Academy of San Antonio in 1959. She moved to Dallas in her early 20s. She worked at the Dallas police department when JFK was shot and was on duty the day Ruby shot Oswald.

Melba's fun attitude and contagious joy were loved by so many and a gift she shared freely. She was small and spunky, but her spirit and humor were grand. She lived a life of authenticity like no one else. Her devotional service to the Lord never ceased. Her Catholicism led her journey and her faith was unending. Melba never met a stranger, because her compassion extended beyond boundaries, and all were friends.

She was a core member of several organizations and ministries at St Joseph's and her dedication impacted the effectiveness of the mission of the Church. Her presence at the church will be sorely missed.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 45 years, Ethan Smith; her brother Louis Espinoza, her stepson Mike Lang, and granddaughter Monica Monroe. Left behind to cherish her memory is her older brother Vincente "Skip" Espinoza, her two daughters and their families: Micaela and LaDon Nixon, Donavin, Dreydon, and Camdynn Nixon; G'Nell and Brandon Price, Melba June and Bodhi Price; and her stepdaughter Mar-Lynne Lang and children: Jennefer Arrington (Yancey and children), Amanda Johnson (Josh and children), Natalie Lang, many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and countless friends throughout the Catholic Community

To know her was to love her, and she touched so many lives. Melba's legacy will forever be remembered with delicious food, acts of service, witty jokes, and a resounding AMEN. We love you, Melba.