Melba Louise Drennan

Melba Louise Drennan, age 94, of Sunset, Texas passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026.

She was born on May 5, 1931, in Bradshaw, TX to Steven Bruce and Rebecca Pearce.

She is remembered as a devoted member of Oak Grove Baptist Church in Burleson, TX, where her faith and warmth touched everyone, she met. Church was one of her greatest joys—she loved being there, offering hugs, sharing conversations, and building genuine connections with the congregation.

Her servant’s heart showed in everything she did. She volunteered faithfully with the women’s ministries, helped each year with Vacation Bible School, and could always be found in the kitchen cooking, cleaning, or washing dishes. She never waited to be asked; her first words were always “What can I do?”—and she never expected anything in return. She gave generously of her time, her energy, and her heart.

Melba attended Bradshaw School through 10th grade with a class of 9 students before it closed. There she worked on the school annual, member of the 4-H Club and played volleyball. She was elected as School Favorite in 1947.

She completed her high school education at South Taylor High School graduating in 1949. As a senior, she played basketball, member of the pep squad and was the business manager of the yearbook committee.

After graduation, she moved to Abilene to attend Business College.

She soon went to work for Ben E. Keith Produce Company in Abilene as an Assistant Bookkeeper. With a strong recommendation from the Abilene office, she joined the Ben E. Keith Produce location in Fort Worth, where she served as secretary to the Manager for 13 years.

In 1968, she went to work for Vought Aircraft, where she transferred information to large data tapes and proofread materials for the publication department. She was later promoted to quality control, reviewing the manuals produced for aircraft maintenance for both the Navy and the Air Force.

While working at Vought, she met Tom Drennan. They married June 7, 1972. They lived in Hawaii for 20+ years. They grew pineapples, macadamia nuts, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and avocados.

While living in Hawaii, she worked for property manager Nancy Cabral, handling data entry from Nancy’s home. As the business grew into Day Lum, a full property management and real estate corporation with fifteen employees, nineteen sales personnel, and an office in downtown Hilo, Melba became the company’s bookkeeper and comptroller. She served in that role for more than seventeen years before retiring and returning to Texas. The bond between Nancy and Melba remained deep and enduring, like that of a mother and daughter, and the family is forever grateful for that lifelong friendship.

Melba’s life was a testament to love, family, goodness, kindness, and faith. She reflected bright rays of sunshine through her warm smile, soft voice, gentle spirit, and open arms. She loved to dance, enjoyed the music of Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline, cherished good conversation and enjoyed her family gatherings. Her late daughter had written this tribute to her mother, a reflection that now carries even deeper meaning: “My mother is a woman like no other. She gave me life, nurtured me, taught me, shouted at me, kissed me, but most importantly, she loved me unconditionally. She is a powerful influence.”

Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Rebecca Pearce; her husband, Tom Drennan, her brother, O’Neal Pearce; her sister, Shirley Tatum; her sons, Mark and Patrick Drennan; her daughter, Diane Jones; and granddaughter, Crystal Drennan.

Melba is survived by her daughter, Sherry Bownds (Mack Sorrells) of Sunset, TX; her son, Tad Drennan (Neva) of Nocona, TX; her son-in-law, Mike Jones of Arlington, TX; grandchildren, Clifton Bownds (Michelle) of Alvarado, TX; Eric Jones (Melissa) of Arlington, TX; Marquis Sorrells of Northlake, TX ; Chris Sorrells (Ashley) of Weatherford; Amanda Sorrells; Amy Colmer (Courtney) of Decatur, TX; Kimberly Carminati (Craig) of Montague, TX; Amber Bowles (Brady) of Iowa Park, TX; Ceilo Poloche of Charlotte, NC; Trisha Williams (Tyler) of North Richland Hills, TX; Brittany Saldana; Aaron Spear; 23 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Although our hearts are broken, we find peace and comfort in releasing her to the Lord, to be reunited in the arms of those who went before her – Melba Louise Drennan Family.

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