Jacksonville - Melba Scoggins Pugh, long-time resident of Jacksonville, Texas, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Friday, July 11, 2025. She was 98 years old.

Melba was born in Tecula on October 21, 1926, to Howard Wallace Scoggins and Ethel Frances (Blake) Scoggins. She was an excellent seamstress who worked for many years at Marja Brassiere Co. and Mr. Fine. She was a wonderful cook and was known throughout her family for her homemade biscuits and chicken and dumplings. She set a bountiful table and everyone was welcome.

After retirement, Melba learned to crochet. She bestowed her crocheted works of art on all her family and friends. She never had idle hands.

Melba was preceded in death by her husband, Elbert L. Pugh; son, James Calvin Pugh; daughter, Janice Pugh Johnson; stepsons, Trenton Pugh and Jerry Pugh Riley; daughter-in-law, Alice Pugh; sons-in-law, Jackie Coats and Roy Patterson; grandsons, Brent Coats and Elbert Trenton Pugh, Jr.; great-grandson, Dakota Coats; great-granddaughters, Monica Coats and Faith Thompson; parents, Howard and Ethel Scoggins; in-laws, Arthur and Jenny Pugh; brothers, Howard, Glenn and Lewie Scoggins; sisters-in-law, Lee, Millie, JoAnne, and Eunice Scoggins; and brother-in-law, Lee Pugh, and wife Ruby.

Melba is survived by her daughter, Patricia Coats of Dialville; daughter, Beverly Gardner and husband, Johnny of Jacksonville; son, Elbert (Buster) Pugh and wife Nancy, of Chesterfield, VA; son-in-law, Billy Johnson, of Elkhart; siblings, Gloria Linton, John M. Scoggins, Nedra Brandt and husband Jerry; sister-in-law, Martha Scoggins; 13 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at Larissa Cemetery in Mt. Selman, Texas, with Chaplain Robert Carter officiating.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Coats, Wesley Gardner, Calvin Gardner, Justin Pugh, Craig Thompson, Clint Patterson, Doug Pugh and Glen Garner.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Melba to the Hospice of East Texas at 4111 University Dr., Tyler, TX 75701 or www.hospiceofeasttexas.org.