Melva was born on April 23,1941, to Rev. William M. and Francis Dunagan in Gainesville, Georgia. She met her husband Roger while attending Norman College in Moultrie, Georgia. They were married on July 15, 1962, at Madison Street Baptist Church in Starke, Florida. She went on to graduate from Mississippi College in 1965 with a degree in mathematics education.
Melva was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. She exuded joy and love to everyone she encountered, serving and sharing every day. Her gift of hospitality was a blessing to her family and friends. She never hesitated to warmly welcome others into her life and home. One of her greatest joys was cooking for others and bringing people together over meals. Her husband Roger says, "We were married for 62 years, and she was a special gift to me, a sweet lady who was very much loved."
Melva also loved teaching and mathematics. She taught for over 40 years, teaching in Mississippi, Texas, Georgia, and Florida. She was selected as Teacher of the Year three times during her career and was the Star Teacher four times. She enjoyed finding creative ways to help students understand mathematics. Her favorite subject to teach was Geometry, and she often remembered and told stories about the projects that her students created in Geometry. She loved running into former students in the community and hearing about their families and careers. It brought her great joy to see others succeed.
Melva's strong faith in Jesus was the foundation of her joy and service. Throughout her life, she faithfully served churches alongside her husband Roger.
Melva was preceded in death by her parents, William M. and Francis Dunagan; sister, Angie Hinson; and sister, Donna McMillan.
She is survived by her husband, Roger Ezell; sons Phillip Ezell (Joanna), Chuck Ezell (Neysa), Jeremy Ezell (Lauren); grandchildren Hannah Henning (Caleb), Rebekah Schroeder (Kyle), Lydia Cooper (Michael), Andy Ezell, Carlie Ezell, Brooke Ezell, Asher Ezell; and great-grandson Jack Henning.
A service to honor Melva's life will be held on Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Athena Baptist Church with Bro. David McMullen officiating. A visitation will take place on Thursday evening at Joe P. Burns Funeral Home in Perry, Florida, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Indian Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Blue Creek Baptist Church building fund.
