Melba Anne Driver

Melba Anne Smallwood Driver, 85, of Villa Rica, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, November 28, 2025. She was born in Villa Rica on March 25, 1940, the daughter of the late Vesta (Red) Smallwood and the late Dora Beatrice (Bea) Smallwood.

Melba was a beloved wife, Mama, and MawMaw. Melba’s gift of guidance and inspiration touched the lives of her children, grandchildren, and countless others that crossed her path. Melba’s greatest joy was working alongside her husband Jerry and being a mother to her four children, and MawMaw to her grandchildren. She loved all the adventures and endeavors she and Jerry got involved in, the beautiful places they were privileged to have traveled; and the friends they were blessed to have made along the way. Melba seamlessly blended her life as her husband’s quiet, grounded voice, behind-the-scenes partner, while also being the most precious, nurturing, loving Mama and MawMaw.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Jim A. Driver, who passed away a little over 3 1/2 months ago; grandsons, Jamie Driver and Justin McKinstry; grand-daughters, Erica Ashley Nicole (Nikki) Born, Cheryl Ann Charlotte Born; one great-grandchild; brother, Dwight Smallwood; lifelong best friend, Sue Carden Sticher,

She is survived by her loving husband of sixty-eight years Jerry A. Driver, to whom he says she caught his eye on the playground at school when she was just fourteen years old. Shortly after they had their first date on Jerry’s sixteenth birthday while at a friend’s birthday party, that first date turned into one of the greatest love stories that has spanned the time of seventy-one and half years. Melba is also survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Kathy and John Reeme of Bremen, Terri Driver and Andrea Driver both of Villa Rica; seven grandchildren, Steve and Brittany Born, David Born, Jennifer and Fernando Tapia, Chris McEwen, Cody and Amy Hall, Jessica Driver and Jana Driver; thirty-three great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

Melba was a very quiet, private person, and requested that there be no funeral service. Her family is honoring her wishes and will gather to have a Celebration of Life, in honor and remembrance of this very special, and deeply loved wife, Mama, MawMaw and friend on Monday, December 22, 2025 at Midway Church from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to West Georgia Habitat for Humanity and to Midway Church Building Fund.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.jones-wynn.com Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services of Villa Rica is in charge of the arrangements. 770-459-3694