Melba Jean Hogue

Melba Jean Hogue, 71, of Romulus, MI passed away on April 24, 2023.

Melba Jean Windom was born December 8, 1951 and was the last child born to the late Edd Windom and Marie (McAdory) Windom in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Melba received her education in Kosciusko at the McVille School, which was right up the road from her home. She later attended school in Sallis, Mississippi and graduated from Long Creek High School in 1969.

Melba married her high school sweetheart, Benjamin Hogue, in March 1969. Soon after, Ben moved from Mississippi to Detroit, Michigan to gain employment and she later joined him in May 1969. She became gainfully employed at General Motors Corp. at the Hydra-Matic Willow Run plant in Ypsilanti Twp., MI. Melba loved working on the assembly line and was a favorite with her coworkers. Many close friendships were established from her time there.  She spent 33 years working at the plant and retired in 2003. After retirement, she stayed connected with her fellow UAW members as a board member on the Local 735 Retiree Board. Over the years, she held many other jobs which included: being a patient companion at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, in-home caregiving and most recently working for H&R Block as a desk receptionist.

Melba accepted Christ at an early age. She attended Pleasant Grove #1 Missionary Baptist Church in Kosciusko. She would later join Christ Temple Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, MI under the leadership of the late Rev. J. H. Hammons. For many years she served faithfully under the pastorage of Rev. Dr. Steven D. Riley. She was a dedicated member of the usher board and the kitchen committee, most recently, spearheading the newly remodeled kitchen. She was determined and worked tirelessly to see it through even on days when she wasn’t feeling her best! She was so proud to hear of its completion as of March 2023. For several years she also spent time beautifying the flowers beds on the outside of the church building.

From her union with Ben came her first child, ShaQuita Denise. Later, she met Willie Prince Freeman, and her second child, Dezzerra Marie was born. Her girls were her pride and joy. They went everywhere together, even long trips down the highway back home to Mississippi.

Melba enjoyed meeting and having conversations with people. She was often known for using her hands while talking. Her hobbies included: bowling, cooking, gardening, working on cars, shopping and traveling! Outside of traveling every year back to her hometown, she enjoyed cruising with her friends. They would plan and set sail for many years on cruises, beginning with the first in 1993.  Climmie, Sheryll, Sandra, Bonnie (preceded her) & Mel (as they called her) were affectionately nicknamed the “Golden Girls” by their children LOL… due to the fact that they were always together! “Thank you for being a friend!”  Her most recent years of cruising was with the Mr. Smooth Cruisin’ Family where she volunteered as a Land Coordinator Team Member!

In the early morning, April 24, 2023, Melba was gracefully and peacefully ushered into the arms of Christ, with both of her daughters by her side. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Denise (Corey) Johnson, Dezzerra (Steven) Boswell; three granddaughters, Tianna Monae Johnston, Zion Maree Boswell and Anilah Nicole Boswell; one great-granddaughter, Nia Rose Ford; one sister, Mary Lee Ellis (Kosciusko, MS); one brother, Leonard Earl Windom (Milwaukee, WI); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, UAW family and friends! She was preceded in her passing by her parents, two brothers Eddie D. Windom and Edward Earl Windom, one sister Rebecca Windom Egerson, and one niece Jacquelyn Amber Windom.

Melba demonstrated compassion for others and love for Christ throughout her journey of life. She will forever be in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

From her daughters ~ Mama, we just wanted to say thank you for the love and support you gave us over the years. It was the love and support that made us into the women we are today. We want you to know job well done. You can rest now we got this from here. Love always and until later.

From the grandchildren ~ We just wanted to say how much we love you and will miss you. From Tianna-I appreciate you for the things you did for me; without you I could not have made it this far. Again, thank you.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7