Lora Melba Revels Lilley, 93, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, September 12, at Martin General Hospital.

Melba was born on May 11, 1928, to the late William Staten and Ella Peel Revels of Williamston. She married Benjamin Franklin Lilley ("B.F.") on November 28, 1948, and they enjoyed 72 wonderful years together.

She is preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Reba Woolard, Mary Roberson, and Susie Biggs; and five brothers, Arthur Revels, Saunders Revels, Clayton Revels, Clarence Revels, and Clyde Revels.

Melba is survived by daughters Karen Wright, Susan Ward (Robert), Lora Rawls (John); grandchildren Chad Summers (Carlette) of Raleigh, Christopher Wright (Jennifer) of Clayton, Kristen Penny (Aaron) of Grimesland, Justin Ward (Kensi) of Wake Forest, and Megan Rawls of Williamston; great grandchildren Staton Summers, Connor Wright, James Wright, Ava Penny, and Jackson Ward.

Melba was an excellent housekeeper and a wonderful cook. As the wife of a farmer, she was no stranger to hard work. Even after spending a hot summer's day on the tobacco harvester with B.F. and their crew, Melba still found time at the end of the day for two of her great passions: her flowers and her yard. The endless hours she spent planting, watering, and arranging flowers were a source of great joy to her. Even when her health began to decline, friends and neighbors were blessed to ride by and see Melba where she was happiest-in her beautiful yard pulling weeds.

As a young girl, Melba accepted Christ at her home church, Macedonia Christian Church. After marrying B.F., she served as a faithful, behind-the-scenes worker at Piney Grove Baptist Church. A spotless church kitchen, a bouquet of bright flowers on a bathroom counter, orange Kool-Aid at Vacation Bible School, and Arbelle Manning Circle meetings in her home are just a few of the countless ways Melba Lilley demonstrated her love for the church and its members.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, on September 14, 2021 at Tice Cemetery in the Farm Life community. Arrangements are being handled by Walker Funeral Home of Williamston, NC.

in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Griffins Township Fire Department, 5120 Fire Department Road, Williamston, NC 27892, or Jamesville EMS Rescue Squad, 1035 Haynes Drive. Jamesville, NC 27846

Online condolences may be directed to www.walkerfh.net