MELBA ROSE DeSALLE Obituary (1927 - 2016)

Melba Rose Durden DeSalle, native and resident of New Orleans, LA, died of natural causes on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at her home. She was 89 years old. She is survived by one son, Enrico Joseph DeSalle and his wife Barbara of Houston, TX. Also survived by her brothers in law, Albert Johnson and Percy Payne. Melba was the grandmother of Jarman R. Stewart of New Sarpy, La. and Genorris L. Cage of Houston, TX. She was the great grandmother of Jordan, Candi and Mya Cage of Houston, TX and Jermaine and Trumaine Stewart of Baton Rouge, La. Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Jefferson Durden and Anna Lorena Brazley; husband Henry J. DeSalle; sisters Bernice Durden Franklin, Victoria S. Durden, Helen Brocks, Postelle Wimby, and Mildred Payne; brothers Elbert John Durden, Melvin Dubois Durden, Rudolph Lionel Durden and Raymond Jefferson Durden. Melba was baptized at an early age and was a member of Greater Tulane Baptist Church. She later began studying the Catholic Faith and on April 11, 1998 she received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion and was a devout member of St. Raymond Catholic Church. Melba graduated from McDonogh 35 High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1949 from Dillard University and a Master of Arts Degree in 1953 from Columbia University. She was a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc and the American Postal Workers Union Women's Auxiliary. Melba worked for the Orleans Parish School Board where she retired. She was the Debutante Court Choreographer for the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club as well as the Young Men of Illinois Club, Inc. Melba loved the fine arts and mastered the art of dancing. She danced on Broadway and was the sole proprietor of the Melba Rose Durden DeSalle School of Dance that opened in 1956 and remained open for over 30 years. She was always teaching, chauffeuring, traveling or enjoying the arts. Melba has left many fond memories to be cherished by her entire family and will be missed forever by all who knew her. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, October 7, 2016 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help-1908 Short St., Kenner, LA for 12:00 noon. Visitation will begin at 10:00am until mass time. Rev. Richard Miles officiating. Private burial to follow. Treasures of Life-Center for Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline, Hwy., Gramercy, LA, entrusted with her final care.