Melba Finley Hudley Jeffreys

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Melba Findley Hudley Jeffreys, who entered eternal rest in the arms of our Lord on January 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at home. Melba was born on January 24, 1928, in Chase City, Virginia, to Lucy A. Oliver Hudley and James Hudley.

In 1945, Melba married Allen Jeffreys, and in 1958, they relocated to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where they established their family. Together, they raised their children in a home filled with love, values, and devotion. Throughout her life, Melba worked tirelessly as a domestic to provide for her family, and after her retirement, she shifted her focus to being a devoted caregiver to her family, taking pride in her role as a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

Melba's legacy lives on through the generations of those whose lives she touched. The children she lovingly cared for and babysat now have their own children and grandchildren, all of whom cherish the example she set and the love she gave.

A woman of simple joys, Melba loved watching soap operas and the game show Family Feud, as well as listening to music, with “Step in the Name of Love” being her latest favorite. She found joy in the act of cleaning and taking care of her home, all while watching her children grow. Her perseverance and determination led to her becoming the first Black woman to own a home on Bunnell Street in Bridgeport, a milestone she was deeply proud of.

Melba was predeceased by her husband, Allen Jeffreys; her life partner, George Alfonzo Day; her brothers Alvin Hudley and James Hudley Jr.; her sisters Lonita Reid, Shirley Hayes, and Frances Mosely; as well as her daughters Melba and Phyllis Jeffreys and her son Ralph Jeffreys.

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Barbara Jeffreys (Bridgeport, CT), Diane Jeffreys Artist (Bridgeport, CT), and Alva Jeffreys (New Haven, CT); her sons Tyrone Jeffreys (New Haven, CT), Allen Freddie Jeffreys (Naugatuck, CT), Marque Jeffreys (Bridgeport, CT), and Kevin Jeffreys (Bridgeport, CT). She is also survived by a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were all touched by her love and kindness.

A gathering to celebrate Melba's life and legacy will be held on January 31, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at East End Tabernacle Church, 584 Central Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06607. Following a celebration of life will take place from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A repast will follow the service from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at

581 Waterview Avenue Bridgeport, CT.