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Lori Kale Belinski
On my first day of work at the School Board on Atlantic Avenue, I met Melba. She was kind, gracious, and welcoming. I looked forward to speaking with her as we both went about our work. I’m sorry to hear of her passing from this world. My sympathies to her family.
Lynn & Theresa Haddock
Our sincere condolence to Melba’s family. She was a special lady and will be missed by all❤️😄
Tim McKee
I owe my entire career as a church musician to Mrs. Shiver. As long as I can remember I was deeply touched by her music. When she first showed me how the organ works, it was all over. I loved her organ solos and the hymns inspired me like nothing else could. Thank you, Mrs. Shiver for your life of music that touched, comforted, delighted and healed so many.
Sandra Boyett
A wonderful lady to care for a short time. You girls were blessed.
Debby Portier
Suzanne, I'm so sorry for your loss. I pray for peace for you and your loved ones.
Marcy & Bill Mock
Our sincere condolences to Melba's entire family. She was so special and will be missed. I will always thjink of her at the piano or organ in the original Baptist Church on 5th Street. What wonderful memories. Love and prayers.
Lorraine Byrd King
Suzanne I am so sorry about your family loosing your Mother. My heart and prayers will be with you.
Melba Haddock Shiver
2024-02-22
Melba Haddock Shiver, age 96, of Fernandina Beach, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024.
Born in Fernandina Beach, FL, she was the third of two boys and two girls born to the late John Bartow and Sarah Jane "Sallie" Haddock. She graduated Fernandina Beach High School in 1945 and that same year met the love of her life, Isaac "Ike" Shiver, Jr. They married January 19, 1947. They were members of the First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach where she played the organ for over 55 years. She was a member of the Bykota Sunday school class, the Jennie Benfield Circle Group, and Monday morning prayer group.
Melba was well known for her musical gift, played for countless weddings and often played for funerals at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home when they needed a pianist. She also played for the Haddock quartet and sang in the Amelia Island chorale. She worked for the Nassau County School Board for 28 years as school secretary and instructional support.
After she and her husband retired they loved taking trips together all over the country. They also loved the mountains of North Carolina and went there every year in the fall with family to enjoy God's beauty. Her daughters remember her as an excellent seamstress and homemaker, as well as a loving Mom.
In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by a brother, Claude Haddock, who passed away in 2015.
Melba leaves behind her two daughters, Lavoyne Foster (Ronnie) and Suzanne Bass Jones (Philip); sister Floy Lang of Brewton, AL; brother Edgar Haddock (Donna); grandchildren Joshua Ryals (Rachael); Laura Brooke Walker (BJ); Ryan Foster (Jessica); Jonathan Foster (Mellissa); and Jack "Trey" Bass III (Katelyn); great grandchildren Jansen Ryals, Noah and Eli Bootle; Layla and Law Walker; Abigail and Charlotte Foster; and Jad, London, Barrett, and Yeshua Miller-Foster; and one great-great grandson, Walker Maxwell, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Melba's life will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 1, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach with Pastor Zach Terry officiating. Pallbearers will be Josh Ryals, Ryan Foster, Jonathan Foster, Trey Bass, Greg Haddock and Mark Haddock.
Melba will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery next to her husband of 61 years.
The family will receive friends on Friday, March 1st at the church, from 10:00 AM until the hour of service at 11:00 AM.
Rather than flowers the family suggests memorial donations be designated to the Jane and Bill Warner Center for Caring at www.communityhospice.com or to the First Baptist Church Building Fund.
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