MELBA TAYLOR CLEWIS
1936-2022
Melba Taylor Clewis passed away peacefully on Easter morning, April 17, 2022, at the age of 85. Melba was born Melba Jean Taylor on July 6, 1936 to the late Herman and Juanita Taylor in Rogers, Texas. Melba is survived by her loving husband David; children, David “Craig” Clewis (Gina), Susan Meador (Chip); grandchildren, Jacy Meador, Eric Clewis (Emily) and Dani Meador Collins (Conner); siblings, Howard Taylor (Linda) and Gena Quintanilla (Marco); sister-in-law, JoAnn Taylor; as well as greatgrandchildren, countless relatives and friends. Melba is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Bruce Taylor.
Despite being born in rural Central Texas, Melba spent most of her life in Houston, Texas which she called home. She graduated as a member of the National Honors Society from Reagan High School in 1954 and married the love of her life, David, later that summer on August 14, 1954. On Melba’s birthday in 1956, David was drafted into the Army, and on their two year anniversary he left for basic training. Melba soon followed him to Barstow, California where they lived for two years before returning to Houston to start a family.
Melba was a uniquely gifted and brilliant woman which was reflected in her jobs and hobbies throughout her life. She was an accomplished pianist, seamstress, cook, and accountant but her true passion lay in teaching. Once her children were in school, Melba pursued a college degree from the University of Houston and upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1976, she went on to spend over 20 years as a home economics and math teacher at North Shore High School until she retired in 1999 as the Chair of the Math Department.
Retirement brought a new passion for David and Melba - traveling through North America in their motorhome including six trips to Alaska, two of which they were accompanied by Melba’s late brother Bruce and his wife, JoAnn. Melba also remained fiercely loyal to her Houston Cougars until the end, going to every football game, rain or shine. And we know that come August, Melba will be cheering loud from above as her Cougars take the field. In Melba’s final months, she was constantly surrounded by her doting husband, children, grandchildren and siblings. Though she is gone, her wisdom and creativity live on through her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 2 PM in the Coach Yeoman Hall of the University of Houston’s TDECU Stadium (Enter at Gate 1). Parking is available in the Stadium Garage (3874 Holman Street) starting at $6. Guests are encouraged to wear “Cougar Red.”