Melba Eugenia Roberts Floyd, 91, of Florence passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2016. She was in the presence of her family and home caretakers. She was preceded in death by her husband John Emory Floyd. They had been married 62 years.

Jean was born on January 11, 1925 near Gallivants Ferry, South Carolina. She was the daughter of Henry and Prudence Roberts. She has two sisters, Francis Harris and Mary Walker and one brother EP Roberts. Her younger brother, Richard Roberts, passed away in 1948. After graduating from Aynor High School, she enrolled in McLeod Infirmary School of Nursing in Florence, SC. She completed her RN degree in 1945 and began a fifty year nursing career. She wore many hats during those years including working in the medical offices of Dr. Walter Meade and as assistant to Dr. Brockington. After that, she enjoyed a short period as a private duty nurse before spending her last 23 years as a Charge Nurse in the Neo-natal Intensive Care unit at McLeod's. On September 5, 1947, she married John Emory Floyd who she had first known when they were classmates at Aynor High School. They had three children, John Emory Jr., Mary Jane (Zenger), and Jeannie Maria (Harris). She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Jean had many talents and interests. She and John were members of Calvary Baptist Church for over 60 years. Jean was devoted to the "sisters" in her Sunday school class. She loved the fellowship and lunches out with the Florence "Red Hat Club", and was a member of the Florence Order of the Eastern Stars. After retirement, she was part of a group of retired nurses who volunteered in public schools and she spent five years at Greenwood Elementary School. She also volunteered at the McLeod's Cancer Clinic for many years. She was also an avid gardener and her yard had an amazing variety of plants and trees. She loved meeting other gardeners and was generous and happy to share flowers and stories about where she acquired her many plants. There always seemed to be something blooming in her prolific garden. She never tired of observing the many birds and butterflies that were attracted by the year around blooms. She was very knowledgeable about the scientific names and origins of her unique plants. She was always happy to share stories about where each plant came from. She did not slow down after retirement. She joined a quilting club and enjoyed making creative quilts for friends and family. She loved dolls and spent many years making Porcelain Dolls and all the clothes for each one. She also collected antique dolls and dolls from around the world. After retirement she also discovered a love of travel and vacationed across the United States with her son John and his family. She also joined tours to many foreign countries including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Greece and The Holy Land. When she was 83 she volunteered as a nurse on a mission trip to Romania. Her traveling ceased when her husband John became ill and she became his primary caretaker until he passed away at home on July 29, 2012. Surviving are her three children and spouses: John (Karen) Floyd Jr, of Florence, SC, Jane (Steve) Zenger of Blythewood, SC and Jeannie (Mike) Harris of Darlington, SC. Jean loved spending time with her six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Grandchildren and spouses include Victoria (Trey) Singletary of Pamlico, SC, Clark (Amber) Floyd of Florence, SC, Kathryn Zenger (Patrick Brownson) of Columbia, SC, Jay (Amanda) Zenger of Charlotte, NC, Christopher Harris of Florence, SC and Courtney (Mikey) Boan of Hartsville, SC. Great-grandchildren are Austin Boan, Ella Singletary, Bryson Floyd, Reagan Floyd and Jackson Zenger. The children would like to thank the many caregivers, the McLeod Hospice team and special friends who cared for and visited their mother throughout her illness. Services will take place at Cain Calcutt-Stephens Funeral Home on Monday August 1, 2016. Visitation will take place at the Funeral Home from 9am-11am and the Funeral Service will be at 11:00 in the Funeral Home Sanctuary. Burial service will be at Florence Memorial Gardens immediately after the service.