Melba (Baughn) Sowell

Melba (Baughn) Sowell, 93, of Poplar Bluff, MO passed away on May 23, 2025, at Oakdale Care Center in Poplar Bluff.

Melba was born on January 24, 1932, to Bill and Ruby (Marshal) Baughn in Tuckerman, Arkansas. She married Cloyce Sowell on May 22, 1955, in Tuckerman, AR.

Melba was a RN for 33 years but continued taking care of others even after her retirement, she was a member of the Highland Drive Church of Christ, an avid gardener and loved her flowers. She loved being a farmer's wife and taking care of her family. She enjoyed supporting her grandchildren in all sports and was a big St. Louis Cardinals fan. Melba will be dearly missed by all her friends and family.

Melba is survived by daughters, Diane (Ronald) Coleman of Saffell, AR, Debra (Lorenzo) Sandlin of Poplar Bluff, MO; grandchildren, Hillary (Jon) Anderson, Heather (Jeremy) Dickson, of Walnut Ridge, AR, Kyle Sandlin of Fisk, MO, Aaron (April) Sandlin, and Brian (Jessica) Sandlin of Poplar Bluff, MO; great grandchildren, Eli and Reid Anderson, Logan and Hadleigh Dickson, Isabella, Aiden, Miles, Asher, Matthew, and Brooklynn Sandlin; brothers, Dale, Marshal, and Mack Baughn.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Ruby; her husband of 64 years, Cloyce; grandson, Matthew Ryan Sandlin; sisters, Wanda Williamson, Norma Jean Boles, and infant Betty Ann Baughn.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025, from 10am-11am at Highland Drive Church of Christ in Poplar Bluff, MO.

Funeral services will immediately follow beginning at 11am with Minister Vernon Curry officiating. Burial will take place at Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please support St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to serve the family and friends of Melba Sowell. Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.