Mrs. Melba (Anna Wise) Mauldin passed away on March 16, 2018 at the age of 93. Born in rural Oklahoma in 1924 to parents John Wesley Wise and Vesta Anna Powers, she grew up in poverty during The Great Depression and survived the chaos of the Dust Bowl. She married the only love of her life Robert (Pop) Mauldin and together they faced the challenges of World War II. She entered the work force to feed her children while her husband fought in the Battle of the Bulge earning a Bronze Star for bravery.
A loving wife and the mother of three children; Dennis, Terry and Rebecca, she devoted her life to her family. She became an ordained minister and dedicated her life to helping others through the teachings of Jesus Christ. She founded the Candle Lights of Corsicana to help women and their children in need. She was a member of the Women’s Preacher Council of America, Kinslow House, and the Business and Professional Women’s Association.
After the death of her daughter, Terry Lee in the 1950’s, she began to write poetry to reflect on her experiences, strength and hope for a better tomorrow. Her poetry reveals her love for nature, her rich Choctaw heritage and her belief in the importance of family, forgiveness and a life based upon Christian values. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and a helping hand to those in need.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60years, Robert (Pop) Mauldin; daughter, Terry Lee, and until her passing was the last surviving member of the ten children of John and Vesta Wise.
She is survived by her son, Dennis Mauldin and daughter-in-law, Allie Mauldin and their children grandsons, Mark and Shannon Mauldin; her daughter, Rebecca Mauldin Jensen and son-in-law, Monte; nephews, Steve Wise and wife Michelle and their children Layla and Dave Cunningham, Vesta Anna Wise and daughter Anna Lisa Wise and John Wise and wife Samantha and their children Wendy Kay, Sarah, Eva, and John Wesley Wise and a great nephew, Jesse Wise.
Visitation with the family will be held from 3:00-4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 19, 2018 at Corley Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will be held at graveside on Monday, March 19, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery with Apostle Linda Thomas officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are to be made to the Victory & Praise Life Center, 1501 Maple Avenue, Waco, Texas 76708.

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