Melba Jean Brown Smith Atherton, daughter of the late Ewing Lawrence Brown and Pearl Lane Brown was born on October 26, 1927 in Dexter, Missouri and departed this life on May 8, 2018 at the Cypress Point Skilled Nursing Center in Dexter at the age 90 years.

Mrs. Atherton was the head cook in the lunch room at the Dexter High School and Middle School in Dexter.  She had been a member of the First Baptist Church of Dexter since 1947 and was active in the choir for 40 years.

On April 12, 1952, she was united in marriage to Arvel Smith and with this marriage was a union of one son. Arvel passed in August of 1977.  On July 1, 1983 she was united in marriage to Pete Atherton in Dexter, Missouri.  Mr. Atherton preceded her in death in March, 2008.

She is survived by one son, David Smith of Dexter, Missouri; by two sisters, Glenda Holder of Dexter and Lois Teets of Bernie; one step-son, Ron Atherton of Dexter, Missouri; by three step-daughters, Judy Lincoln of Eldon, Missouri, Patty Green of Springfield, Missouri and Norma Crane of Lake of the Ozarks; by sister-in-law Merle Taylor; by many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Junior Brown and Marvin Brown, Dean Brown and Elvis Brown; by three sisters, Helen Taylor, Wilma Renfro and Thelma Stevens.

Friends may call at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. 

Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 1:30 PM in the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Chapel with Rev. Greg McGhee officiating. 

Interment will follow at the Dexter Cemetery.

Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter in charge of all arrangements.