Melba Jean Buckland of Hinton, WV went home to be with her Lord on Friday, February 7, 2025 at the Bowers Hospice House in Beckley at the age of 80.

Born on March 14, 1944 in Mullens, WV, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Gertrude Gill Buckland.

Melba was a 1962 graduate of Hinton High School.  She obtained her degree in education from Concord College and a master's degree from Shepherd College.  Melba was an outstanding educator and dedicated to her profession as evidence by her service at Jefferson High School for 35 years as head of the English Department.  She attended Central Baptist Church and loved her Church community and family.  Melba enjoyed gardening and working out in her yard, but especially treasured her time spent with family and friends.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Charlie Ray Buckland; brother-in-law, Kenneth Wills, Sr.; special cousin, Hubert Gill and a great, great nephew,  Brayden Lemon.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sister, Carol Wills of Hinton, WV; nephews, Dennis Wills (Lisa) of Hinton and Kenneth Wills, Jr. of Hinton; niece, Sandy Lemon of Hinton; great-nieces, Jennifer Richmond and Shanna Wills; great-nephews, Brian Wills, Jeremy Lemon, and Brandon Wills; cousins, Donna Canterbury, Judith Barnett, Harry Allen, along with a host of cousins too numerous to name; great great- niece, Madisyn Richmond; great great-nephew, Kayson James Lemon.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Pivont Funeral Home Chapel with Pastors Robbie Merritt and Jeff Canterbury officiating.  Friends may visit from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm on Friday at the Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at the Upland Cemetery in Upland, WV.