Melba Barry

May 12, 2015

Melba Barry, 86, a Pensacola native, died peacefully in her sleep Friday, May 8, 2015. Melba was preceded in death by her husband, William J. Barry; and her parents, Mamie and Ernest McLain; and brothers, John and Ernest, Jr.

Melba is survived by her five children, Robert Barry and wife, Betty of Ocala, FL, Delores and husband, Richard Simmons of Pensacola, Penny and husband, John Covotta of Pensacola, Michael Barry and wife, Laurie of Houston, TX, and Judy and husband, Roger Wade of Durham, NC.; four grandchildren, Michael Earl and wife, Tamara Barry, Kelly and husband, Eddie McLane, Kristyn Covotta; and Joshua Barry; six great-grandchildren, Meghan and Riley McLane, Emily, Ryan, Cameron and Aiden Barry; and her nephew, Donald and wife, Berniece McLain. Melba also leaves behind her loving dog, Karma, who enjoys potato chips as much as she did. Melba loved flower design, which she shared with her daughters. She was a member of Pensacola Garden Club as well as several neighborhood garden associations. Many of her arrangements were awarded ribbons of distinction.

As a member of Credit Professionals International, she held both state and local offices. She retired from Gayfers in January of 1992, after 27 years of service. She attended Little Flower Catholic Church in Myrtle Grove, St. Michael Catholic Church in Pensacola a d St. Mary Catholic Church in Brent. Melba was the instrumental guidance in sponsoring the development of the Memorial Rose Garden located beside Little Flower Church. She dedicated the initial first rose bush to her beloved husband, Bill, in remembrance of their 46 years of marriage. Melba especially enjoyed participating in St. Mary’s Joyful Noise Group and the Women’s Study Group. She was very active in each church community. Melba leaves not only a loving family but many friends. Her legacy to everyone is the sheer idea of never giving up on anyone (including one’s self) and to always love each other. She was truly loved in life and that love will continue in our hearts.

Family and friends alike were very aware of her attraction to “everything butterflies”. She once explained this as a life journey living in a cocoon and at death we are freed in the form of a butterfly to fly to our heavenly Father.

Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pensacola with Reverend Father Eugene Pathe as celebrant.

Burial was at Barrancas National Cemetery aboard NAS Pensacola.

Faith Chapel Funeral Home South is entrusted with arrangements.

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Written by Jane · Filed Under Obituaries