Mrs. Melba Doris Pierce, Indianapolis, passed away on the late evening of Monday, January 3, 2021 of natural causes. She was 92. Melba was born June 23, 1928 in Shoals, Indiana a daughter of the late Ben L. and Pearl (Renneker) Roach.

A few years after graduating high school, Melba began a career as a telephone operator with Indiana Bell (now AT&T) which lasted over 35 years retiring in 1985. She then worked an additional 15 years as a call center operator. She was a member of the Pioneer Telephone Operators of America.

Melba was a very active lady and was a world traveler. She was a passenger on the very first return flight to Indianapolis of the Concorde jet from Paris, France. She also walked across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco at age 89. Melba loved the Lord Jesus Christ and devoted her life to Him. She had  been a faithful member of the Indianapolis Baptist Temple since 1967. At the church, she served the Lord as a sign language interpreter and taught the three year old class. Melba deeply loved her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Nancy Murphy and Steve (Molly) Pierce; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in passing by her loving husband, Foster R. Pierce; her son, Terry L. Pierce; her siblings, Bennett Roach, Roy Roach, Ray Roach and Garnet Bullington.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Indianapolis Baptist Temple, 4002 E. Southport Rd., Indianapolis, with Pastor Matt Roller officiating. Entombment will be at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Greenwood.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until the time of service at the church.

The safety of our families and guests are of the utmost priority. We ask that facial coverings be worn and social distancing be practiced. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Forest Lawn Funeral Home of Greenwood has been entrusted with the arrangements.