Melia Lois Benton Wilks

Melia Lois Benton Wilks, 97, of Opelika, Al, passed away peacefully at her home on March 7, 2026. A visitation will be held at Vance Brook Funeral Home, 3738 Hwy 431 N., Phenix City, Al 36867, on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:00 am EST followed by a graveside service at Lakeview Memory Gardens at 11:00 am EST.

Melia Wilks was born in Pike County, Al, on September 8, 1928, to the late Walter Benton and Alley Dawkins Benton. Melia worked as a weaver at Eagle & Phenix Mills until retirement. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening and fishing. She looked forward to cooking for family and hosting family gatherings. She loved her family most of all, especially spending time with her grandchildren. She was loving and caring, always making time for those close to her. She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Harry Marshall; son Jerry Wilks and wife Judy, and daughter-in-law, Joyce Wilks; and numerous brothers and sisters.

Melia is survived by her son, Marshall Wilks, Jr.; sister, Evelyn Brown; brother, Vernon Benton; grandchildren, Candee Klementovich and husband Rick, Mark Wilks and Wife Stacey, Frank Wilks and wife Terri, Jeff Wilks and wife Tara, and Eddie Wilks and wife Melissa; great-grandchildren, Marshall Ty Wilks, Justin Wilks (Alicia), Corey Wilks (Bridget), Hannah Hogue (Matthew), Gracie Wilks (Dylan), J.D. Wilks, and Haleigh Wilks; 12 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.