Passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on January 16, 2012. She was born April 29, 1925, in Leakesville, MS, to Hydle and John G. Hillman and was raised within a family of 11 siblings.  Melda married SFC Charles Welborn on December 1, 1945, and together they raised six children during their 57 years of marriage.  A vivacious, selfless woman, Melda knew no strangers. She loved cooking and sewing for her family, raising flowers, and doing for others. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles A. Welborn, daughter, Ontee Massingale, and son-in-law, John Burnett.  Melda is survived by her son, Johnny (Jane) Welborn; daughters, Linda Burnett, Amy (Robert) Kunkel, Ethel Welborn, and Ann (Keith) Rawson; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral services are 9:00 am, Friday, January 20, 2012, at Jaynes.  Burial will follow in DFW National Cemetery.  Visitation with the family is 7-9 pm, Thursday.

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