Melba Powell

Melba Jean (Niggli) Powell, of Concan, Texas, passed away on August 8, 2026, at the age of 68. 

She was born on January 24, 1958, in Uvalde, Texas, to William and Maxine Niggli.

She married the love of her life, Mark Hawkins Powell, on July 24, 1982, in San Antonio, and they shared 44 wonderful years of marriage.

Melba attended school in Sabinal ('76) and graduated from Sam Houston State University (‘79). She worked on the shelf edge team for HEB for 26 years.

She was the proud mother of Matthew Hunter Powell and Colin William Powell, and the best Grams to her grandson, Jess Hewlett Powell.

Melba is survived by her husband, Mark of Concan; sons Matthew, wife Lisa (Kostos) Powell of Little Rock AK and Colin, wife Lauren (Hewlett) Powell of Concan; grandson Jess Powell of Concan; brother William “Buddy” Binnie Niggli of Uvalde; and cousin Debora “Debbie” Frances (Niggli), husband Jim Sciba of Concan.

She is preceded in death by her father, William “Bill” Harry Niggli; mother, Maxine Janet (Davis) Niggli; brother James “Jim” Lawrence Niggli; aunt Marjorie Jean (Niggli) Hurley; uncle Edwin “Hooper” Emil Niggli; and cousin Susan “Sue” Elizabeth (Niggli) Hilthon.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:30–6:30 p.m. on Monday, August 17, at Rushing-Estes-Knowles Mortuary in Uvalde, Texas.

Melba fought Lynch Syndrome for 26 years of her adult life. Her family's hope is that a cure will be found so others do not have to endure the pain of this disease.

In lieu of flowers or cards, memorials may be made to the Jacqueline Rush (Lynch Syndrome) Foundation @ jrushfoundation.org.