MELBA WICKETT KERR,
90, of Sherwood, Ark., entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 18, 2023. Our beloved Mom, Grandma, Aunt and Cousin, was born in Pulaski County Ark. to Mirl Henry Wickett and Ethel Elizabeth Waltman. Melba was quickly given the nickname of “Doodle Bug” which fit her perfectly and stuck with her all of her life.
Melba was an active member of Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church, and was a retired Realtor. Her life was filled with church, family and many lifelong friends. She was a talented quilter, making quilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Words can’t describe the way Melba loved the people in her life. She enjoyed every minute of the countless school programs, cheer competitions, baseball and football games. Melba loved babies and they loved her. So many precious pictures show her holding and loving on babies.
She was blessed with a 17 year marriage to Bobby Kerr, who passed away in April. Melba is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Herschel Wickett and Buddy Wickett, and sister, Laura Duke. She is also preceded in death by her first husband, John Rice.
Following her example in loving Jesus are her sons, Johnny (Joy) and Jerry Rice of Sherwood, Ark.; grandchildren, Brandy (Steven) Vines, Cabot Ark., John Rice, Jeremy (Jessica) Rice, Sherwood, Ark. and Lindsey Rice, El Dorado, Ark.; great grandchildren, Kyle Vines and Jack Vines, Cabot, Ark.; Jaden, Zoie, and Mazie Rice, Sherwood, Ark.; Olivia Scott and Samantha Konen, Bartlesville, Okla., as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by Bobby’s sons, Bobby P. Kerr, Keith Kerr and John Kerr and their families.
Visitation will be held at Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church, 9008 Hwy 107, Sherwood, Ark., on Friday, June 23 at 9 a.m., followed by funeral service at 10 a.m. also at the Church. Burial at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Memorial Park, 7724 Landers Road, following the services. Pallbearers are Jeremy Rice, Jaden Rice, Kyle Vines, Jack Vines, Steve Vines and Mike Vines.
Memorial donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607 or to Sylvan Hills First Baptist Church. www.griffinleggettresthills.com.