Melba Benson

A tribute to the life of Melba Benson will be held at 10 a.m. July 18 at the Wade Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway in Arlington, Texas.

Melba was born on April 14, 1947 to Arvel and Vera Mae Woosley. She passed from this life in the early morning hours of June 28, 2026, after a long battle with Parkinson’s.

She is survived by her husband, Richard ‘Rich’ Keene; her sister, Mary Ann Edwards of Tahoka; her brother and sister-in-law, Clarence and Debbie Woosley of Dallas; her sister-in-law, Virginia Ingram of Midland; and brothers-in-law and spouses, Rod and Janis Keene of Leander; and Jeff and Pam Keene of Azle.

She graduated as valedictorian of the 1964 class at Seymour High School, and graduated magna cum laude from Howard Payne University. She earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of North Texas. She was an accomplished musician and excelled in her professional career.

Melba dedicated her life to serving others through education, encouragement, mediation, and compassion. She impacted countless students as well as professionals throughout her career. She always said she thanked God for the opportunity to grow up in Seymour. She was a dedicated and loyal Seymour Panther. Her greatest blessing was having students in her life.

She loved learning and was taught at an early age that learning is fun, and she always believed that.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to a charity of your choice in Melba’s name.

Arrangements for the service in Seymour, Texas, are still pending.

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31