Melva was raised in Pineville (Smith County), MS and graduated from Pineville High School. After graduation, she attended Jones County Community College in Ellisville, MS. She has worked in funeral service locally since 1988 and has been a member of the Ott and Lee family since January 2016.



Melva is married to Charles Courtney and has lived in Pearl, MS since 1959; they have two daughters, Denise Copeland (Derrick) and Chryste Roberts (Chris) and five grandchildren, Kaley and Bryce Copeland and Brady, Abbey and Jacob Roberts. Melva’s children and grandchildren are currently attending Rankin County schools. She and Charles attend Pearl United Methodist Church and have been active members since 1960.