Melba Tanksley

Mrs. Melba Gosney Tanksley, age 98 died Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at Roman Eagle Rehabilitation and Healthcare after a decline in health. Mrs. Tanksley was born January 22, 1922 in Pittsylvania County, VA, a daughter of the late Edgar Drew Gosney and Madge Hodnett Gosney. Mrs. Tanksley was married to Ernest Garland (EG) Tanksley on December 6, 1941 for 74 years before his death in 2016. Besides her parents and husband she was predeceased by a son Garland Reid Tanksley and a sister Helen Gosney Smith and her husband Alvin Smith. A member of Moffett Memorial Baptist Church for over 60 years where she served as a Deacon until in health of her husband and her own health prevented her attendance. Mrs. Tanksley was retired from the Danville Public Schools where she served as a Cafeteria Manager at several schools. She was also employed by the City of Danville as a School Crossing Guard for 65 years. She is survived by her son, Edward Dale Tanksley and her daughter-in-law, Patricia Tanksley, grandchildren; Brian Dale Tanksley (Kristie), Brandon Drew Tanksley (Misty) and Garland Drew Tanksley, (Shanna), and great-grandchildren; Parker Tanksley, Spencer Tanksley, Hallie Drew Tanksley and Benjamin Reid Tanksley. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. from Townes Memorial Chapel with the Reverend Drew Tanksley officiating. A visitation will be held at Townes Funeral Home on Friday, August 14, 2020 from 10 to 11 A.M. The family appreciates those in attendance following the CDC and State of Virginia recommendations on wearing a mask and social distancing. Interment will follow in Highland Burial Park. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials may be made to: Moffett Memorial Baptist Church, God’s Storehouse, Danville Habitat for Humanity, Antioch Baptist Church, or other charity. Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main Street is serving the Tanksley family.