Melba Mae Slack

Melba Mae Slack, 98, of Idabel, OK passed away Thursday, December 22, 2016 in Pocola, OK.  Melba was born May 7, 1918 in Panama, OK to John Harrison and Mamie (Kilgore) Whiteaker.

She is preceded in death by her husband Stearl James “S. J.” Slack, Jr., her parents, and her brothers; Carl, Dave, Robert (Bob), & Clinton Whiteaker.  Melba has often been described as a “Feisty Little ‘ol Thing”.  Her brother Bill will always remember her for calling out his elementary school teacher for spanking him, in spite of being forewarned that he had injuries to his backside

(burn from wood stove) that would make a grown man cry.  When it came to the men in her life “Mema” never changed….she would fight for them till the end. 

Melba was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Idabel, OK where she served and regularly attended for over 50 years.  She was an avid bridge player and TV sports fan.  She loved all her bridge club friends and promised they didn’t gossip (much).  When her impairments finally kept her from enjoying bridge; she turned her attention to TV where she enjoyed most sports.  Nothing pleased her more than hollering over some ole sporting event, with her boys.

Survivors include her sons, Steve Slack of Idabel, OK, George Slack of Perkins, OK, Gene Slack of Pocola, OK; grandsons, Shane, Carl, Brian, & Jeffrey Slack; great grandchildren, Shaylee Rae, Camille, Foster, August, & Cody Louise Slack; brother, Bill Whiteaker of Panama, OK; nieces, nephews, other relatives, loved ones, and friends.

Services will be held at 3 pm Tuesday, December, 27, 2016 graveside at Spiro City Cemetery, Spiro, OK.