Melba Cody Skipper

Melba Cody Skipper, 96, of Columbus, GA passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at her residence. A funeral service will be held at Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 4048 Macon Road, Columbus, GA on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 2:00 pm with Chaplain Allison Owen officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm, one hour prior to the service.

Melba was born on February 6, 1929 in Bay Minette, AL to the late William Cody Henley and Etta Mae Henley. She was a beautiful lady who enjoyed living life to the fullest. Her outgoing personality and adventurous spirit led her to fulfill many goals and dreams. Tillinghurst and St. Mary’s Road Elementary Schools were blessed to have her serve as a teacher and librarian. She had a gift of making the children smile and was a dependable co-worker to her peers. Outside of education, Melba enjoyed dancing, especially with her dance partner Chuck, entertaining guests, listening to music and decorating. She liked being outdoors, especially when it came to gardening and fishing.

A truly remarkable woman, Melba has touched the lives of so many during her time on earth. She will be missed by her church families at Wesley Heights Baptist and Edgewood Baptist, her friends and her family, but her memory and legacy will always be held closely to their hearts.

Other than her parents, Melba is preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband of almost 50 years James I. Skipper and their daughter Rebecca Margaritis. She is survived by her son Michael Skipper (Denise); grandchildren Stacey Borders, Jeremy Skipper, Kimberly Skipper, Melanie Little and Phillipa Jimosse; her cat Andrew; and special friend of the family Lisa Hartley.

The family would like to sincerely thank Melba’s nurse Lindsay with Comfort Keepers, the extraordinary staff at Columbus Hospice, Comfort Keepers’ coordinators Al and Dylan, Comfort Keepers’ staff members Jackie, Baschala, Kendra, Antoinette, Laura and Denise for the exceptional care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Columbus Hospice House, 7020 Moon Road, Columbus, GA 31909.