Mrs. Melba Dykes Welch, a native of Tylertown, MS and lifelong resident of Bogalusa, LA passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the age of 87.  Mrs. Melba was a member of New Life Pentecostal Church in Bogalusa.

Mrs. Melba is survived by her children, Ernest B. Dykes of Ponchatoula, LA, Gary (Tanda) Dykes of TN, and Brenda Dykes Kennedy of Quitman, LA.; her siblings, Robert Davis of Pascagoula, MS, Ruby Dean Barrantoes of Gretna, LA, and Doris Lafaye of Lafayette, LA.  She is also survived by her 7 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 1 soon to be great grandchild, 3 great great grandchildren, and other friends and relatives.

Mrs. Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Emmitt and Elsie Davis; her first husband, Rev. Gerald H. Dykes; her last husband, Charles Welch; her daughter, Regina Gail Dykes Pugh; one brother, James Davis; and one sister, Gerradine Czenski.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. with services beginning at 11:00 A.M. at New Life United Pentecostal Church in Bogalusa, LA.  Rev. Wesley Quave and Bro. Jeff Dykes will officiate the services.  Interment to follow at Ponemah Cemetery.

To view and sign the guestbook go to pooleritchiefuneralhome.com