Melba Ruth Dupree
Melba Ruth Dupree, 101, of Beaumont, died Friday, February 17, 2023. She was born on May 26, 1921, in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, to Rosie May Rebecca Cain Ward and Elmer Fieldon Ward.
Melba retired from Southwestern Bell after 40 years. She was an excellent baker, a good seamstress, and loved preparing Sunday dinners. Melba faithfully attended church and loved God with all her heart.
Survivors include her children, Becky Hirasaki and her husband, Henry, of Orange; Nathan Dupree and his wife, Jeanette, of El Dorado, Arkansas; and Margaret Fowler and her husband, Bob, of Tomball; grandchildren, Amy Moore and her husband, Brad; Jon Hirasaki; Ken Hirasaki and his wife, Tippy; Ron Hirasaki and his wife, Christie; Marietta Woollen and her husband, Joel; Alyssa Morgan and her husband, Tyler; Mystal Lato and her husband, Ben; great-grandchildren, Emma and Kaia Moore; Katie, Kaz, Rei, and Ren Hirasaki; Ryan and Connor Hirasaki; Price, Isaac, Nathan, Maryana, and Cash Woollen; Juni Morgan; and Logan Lato; bonus grandchildren, Anna Hluan, Linda Buai, Elvis Buai, Duke and Yuke Yasokawa, and Hiro Nishi.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lester Dupree; granddaughter, Megan Harbison; and siblings, Alma Ward; Margaret Ward; Phil Ward; and James Ward.
A gathering of Mrs. Dupree’s family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Eastgate United Pentecostal Church, 18905 I-10, Vidor, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. Her funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 24, 2023, at Eastgate United Pentecostal Church, with her interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.
Gathering of Family and Friends
Eastgate United Pentecostal Church
- 18905, Interstate 10, Vidor, Texas, 77662,
- February 23, 2023
- 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Funeral Service
Eastgate United Pentecostal Church
- 18905, Interstate 10, Vidor, Texas, 77662,
- February 24, 2023
- 10:00 am
Interment
Magnolia Cemetery
- 2291, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
Becky… I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Please accept my deepest condolences. May the Lord bless you keep you covered in His loving grace and mercy.
One of the kindest, pure loving souls I’ve ever known. I was so blessed to be welcomed into the family w open arms when I was 5 yrs old. This sweet woman and her family showed me true and unconditional love.
To my family, I share in your sorrow and in the many memories of Melba Dupree aka Melba Toast, my cousin. So many warm and cherished memories we have of this amazing woman who lived a long life so well lived. She had quite the personality, and witty come backs in conversation. Gag gifts for nephews at Christmas time. Always dressed like she just stepped out of the salon. A praying and Godly woman. My Melba Toast bore a strong resemblance to my adored Grandmother which made her even more special to me. Tom & I love you Melba Toast and miss you. Praying for my family in the days to come.
I’ve known Mrs. Dupree and her family my entire life. Our families grew up as neighbors. I’ve never known a nicer and more friendly lady. Always had a smile and never a harsh word for all the noisy kids playing in their yard. To Becky, Nathan, and Margaret Ruth, I’m very sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace in heaven in the lovings arms of our Savior.
Let me say to the family that I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with “Miss Dupre” at SWBT. She had such a quiet and kind spirit that most operators would do whatever she asked without question or mumbling. She will be missed.
I’ve known Sis Melba Dupree all of my life. What a kind and precious lady she was, a true Christian in every word and deed. She was a beautiful example of faith and faithfulness in a world that desperately needs to see that. 101 years! Rest in peace, Sis Dupree.
I met Melba and Babe while working with Joyce
At First Security Bank. My husband and I
Became close friends with Joyce and Phil.
Melba and Babe seemed inseparable.
Anyone who knew them seen their love for the
Lord and their church.
May each family member take comfort in the years of wonderful memories created with them.
Condolences to Becky and all the family. I have many great memories of attending church with Sis. Dupree for 40 plus years on Pope Street, then New Life and the Anchor. We worked together in 5yr old Sunday School Class for many years. Always set on the church pew in front of Sis Dupree and her sister Sis. Ward. I enjoyed hearing many stories of her children and grandchildren.
They were two very resilient, special ladies. I always had lots of faith in their prayers. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Such a lovely Christian lady. I worked with her also at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. She was a sweetheart and loved God with all her heart.
My condolences to your family. I’ve know Mrs Dupree for years she was a wonderful lady, a Ray of sunshine. I cared for her husband Lester Dupree years ago. She made me the best red velvet cake I’ve ever had. She will surely be missed.
We went to church with Melba and family on Pope st. In 1961 I graduated from High School and Sis. Dupree hired me at South Western Bell as a telephone operator, I worked with her for 7 years. Then we left to go full time in the ministry. She was so sweet never said an ugly word. She will be missed greatly.
Our condolences for your lost. What a great life lived. She will forever be known as the woman with the “most beautiful head of hair” in heaven.
The Adams family loved the Dupree’s so very much! I can only imagine the reunion in heaven with our loved ones.
I have very fond memories of Sis. Dupree.
Such a precious lady.
Sending our love and prayers to each and everyone of you all.
I feel so honored to have had my life exposed to such a wonderful lady of God, Sis. Dupree. Her commitment to God, Family and Church was unquestionable and FAITHFUL. She and her sister, Babe were ALWAYS ON TIME and in THEIR PLACES! Personal knowledge was proof of the unselfishness of Sis Dupree. She constantly gave generously and with much
pleasure. Her giving was between her and
her God for there was never a boast of her giving! She gave to bless others and God’s kingdom because she had been blessed.
She was a favorite among the youth as well as people of her own age. She had great respect for the ministry and the saints she worshipped with weekly in the House of God! She and Babe never missed a function centered around the church – funerals, showers, weddings, prayer meetings, festivals and all activities took priority in their schedules. She loved her family! Thanks to all of her family for sharing her with all of us. She holds a special place in each and every life she touched! She fought hard and is now resting along with a triumphant celebration with her God! She is greatly missed. I loved you dearly, Sis. Dupree! I will see you soon! DeWanna (she refused to shorten my name to just Dee – lol).
Jon has such fond memories of Melba and family during his years growing up at Black Lake; memories of all the families gathering together always having a good time. My memories are mainly of stories Jon has shared of Melba— her good cooking; her generosity and kindness towards everyone and how these traits have been handed down to her beautiful family— Melba will be missed but always be loved and remembered ????
Melba was one the the kindest person’s I ever met in my life and she truly loved the Lord. She was an awesome wife to my Uncle Dutch and mother to her children. I wish I could have been around her more. Christ’s love exuded from every pore of her being. She will be truly missed.
Melba and I worked at SWBT many moons ago..and i also worked with Margaret Ward..Two of the kindness ladies to work with. Melba was always kind,considerate and sweet to me..She lived a long life,101,with the Lord always by herside..Becky as i am sorry for the loss of your precious mom,i know the Lord had his arms ready to greet her..Condolences to all this beautiful family….Wylane DeCuir Simon
I worked with Melba at SWBT many moons ago..Such a sweetheart,kind and very pleasant..also worked with Margaret Ward,her sister…Loved these wonderful ladies…Becky and all family sorry for your loss. At 101 yrs old she lived her life to the fullest with the Lord by herside….sending condolences to all… Wylane DeCuir Simon