Melba Fitzpatrick Binion was the last of nine children born to Valentine Arthur and Lishia (Cogborn) Fitzpatrick on November 3, 1932 in Jefferson County, Alabama. A 27-year veteran kindergarten teacher for Compton Unified School District, graduate of Council Elementary School, Parker High School, Alabama State University (BA Education) and the University of San Francisco (MA Education Administration).
She loved God (“Blessed and highly favored”), Christ Lutheran Church in Compton, Family, Las Vegas, road trips in her RV, Kobe Bryant, all things Aretha Franklin and her school alumni association.
She met Tarlton M. Binion, Jr. while attending Alabama State and they later married. From this union she born seven children, Reva Ann (deceased), Tarltonette, Melba (Michael), Francessa (Donald), Tarlton Steven (deceased), Valencia (Gregory) and Gabrielle.
Through the years, her family grew to include six granddaughters, six grandsons, three great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters.
In addition, she leaves a host of relatives, in-laws, and friends to keep her loving memory alive in their hearts, minds and spoken words.
