Melba Jean Cranfill Hearn

Melba Jean Cranfill Hearn, 84, died Oct. 13, 2011, after a brief illness. She was born June 1, 1927, in Plainview to Myron and Mary Yancey.

She grew up on a farm in Plainview, attended Belleview Elementary and graduated from Plainview High School in 1944. After graduation, she spent a year in California where she worked for Western Union. She then attended Abilene Christian College, where she met the man who would become her husband for 60 years.

Cullen Cranfill died after a lengthy illness in 2009.

While attending church in Marble Falls, she then met, fell in love with and eventually married Jim Hearn. The last year and a half of her life with him were some of her happiest times. Her Christian example is one her family will always admire and try to follow. She loved to laugh, and even in her final days was doling out great one-liners. She was a beautiful person, a true Southern lady and a joy to be around.

In addition to her husband of Spicewood, survivors include sister Louise Brown of Albuquerque, N.M.; daughters Christy Nelson of Midland and Connie Hackney of Odessa; stepdaughters Gail Plummer and husband Bill of Allen and Cherry Mayfield and husband Phil of Austin; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and one nephew.

In addition to her first husband, she also was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law Mark Nelson; nephew David Brown; and niece Donna Hughes.

A memorial service is 2 p.m. Oct. 17 at Marble Falls Church of Christ, 711 Broadway in Marble Falls with the Rev. Greg Neill officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Heart Association.

Condolences can be offered at  www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373.