Melba Jean (Alexander) Brewer, 79, of Marion, was joyfully greeted by her Heavenly Father and a realm of angels on Monday, September 23, 2013. She was born on November 25, 1933 in Decatur County, Tennessee to Perry E. Alexander and Rita Lucille (Sparks) Alexander. She was the 5th of 11 children in a family of cotton sharecroppers.

She married Edgar Brewer on December 2, 1950 in Piggott, Arkansas. They shared nearly 63 years of happiness together. After they both retired, Mr. and Mrs. Brewer spent all of their time together traveling and attending family events. They demonstrated pure love and devotion to all whom they met. He survives.

Jean retired from the V.A. Hospital in Marion after 26 years of service as a dietary supervisor.

Jean was a proud mother to Perry Michael (Dyanna) Brewer, Marion, Gary Robert (Lila) Brewer, Wabash, and Kimberly Jean (Tom) Jeffries, Gas City. They survive.

In addition to her children, Jean was an involved and devoted grandmother to Stephanie (Doug) Hensley, LaFontaine, Tiffanie (Kip) Harsh, Brownsburg, Tammie Brewer, Wabash, Brian Brewer, Gas City, Amanda Jean (Andrew) Varner, Gas City, and Tommy (Katelynn) Jeffries, Jonesboro. They survive.

Jean was a loving great-grandmother to Kebrinna Bovie, Kelsea Hensley, Austin Hensley, Trevor Gray, McKenzie Gray, Dillon McKelvey, Colin McKelvey, Ethan McKelvey, and Riley Brewer. She also has another great-grandchild, Baby Varner, who will join the family in February. They survive. Jean is the great-great-grandmother to Blake Bovie.

She is also survived by a brother, Jimmy (Becky) Alexander, Caruthersville, MO; and sisters, Sue (Luther) Kimbrell, Caruthersville, MO; and Helen (Kenneth) Kennedy, Memphis, TN.

Jean was preceded in death by her father, Perry E. Alexander and mother, Rita L. Alexander; brothers, Stancie Alexander, Ray Alexander, and Arlie Alexander; and sisters, Murriel (Alexander) Grooms, Dorothy (Alexander) Thompson, Linda (Alexander) Phelps, and Velma Alexander.

Jean loved cooking delicious meals for her family, traveling "down home" to Missouri and Tennessee, holidays, spending time with her kids and grandkids, and country music. She enjoyed reading, puzzles, painting, and crafts. She was a member of Woodland Hills Church of Christ and a lifetime member of the VFW Women's Auxiliary. Jean was a sweet and gentle spirit whose faith and quiet grace inspired all those around her. She always put everyone before herself, never complained, and gave to others whenever she could. She will be dearly missed.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 27, 2013 at 10 a.m., at Needham-Storey-Wampner, North Chapel, Marion, with Elder Bruce Everett officiating. Jean's final resting place will be Estates of Serenity (I.O.O.F) in Marion.

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 26, 2013 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.