Melba Joy Waite

July 15, 1935 - March 4, 2022

Melba Joy Waite, 86, of Leesburg, Florida passed away on March 4, 2022. Joy was born on July 15, 1935 in Mount Pleasant, Texas to Alfred Dean and Evelyn Thornton Hobbs. As a child the family moved and lived in several different states and after her marriage to Ralph Lee Waite in 1955, that continued until they settled in Tavares, Florida. Joy, as she preferred to be called, was a homemaker. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Tavares and spent many years working in the nursery. Serving and helping others was something Joy loved to do and you would always find her working behind the scenes without complaint, to do whatever was needed. Joy and her husband Ralph became fans of square dancing and enjoyed that part of their life so much. They even received a Bachelor of Square Dancing Diploma. When her boys were young she volunteered with the Boy Scouts. Because of her nieces activities, she became very involved with the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, Mt. Dora Assembly #79 and served on their advisory board for many years. She touched so many lives of these young girls. As one put it, "She was such a positive influence on my life growing up". Joy was also a 25 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star Tavares Chapter #127. Joy is preceded in death by her husband Ralph Lee Waite and her parents Alfred Dean and Evelyn Beatrice Hobbs. She is survived by her sons Timothy Lee Waite and Bradley Dean (Christine) Waite. Sister Carol Hobbs (David) Fouse. Grandchildren Dolan (DeJah) Waite and Haylee Waite. And one great granddaughter, Philomena Sue Ellen Waite who was born in December. Also, left to cherish her memory are several nieces and nephews who will fondly remember her as "Aunt Joy". What a joyful reunion with those who have gone before.