Melva Jean Cozad, 86, of Port Neches, Texas passed away on Monday, January 2, 2017 at Mid-Jefferson Extended Care Hospital in Nederland.

She was born on June 22, 1930 to Faye Skinner Couchman and George Couchman in Boynton, Oklahoma. Melva has been a resident of the area since 1944. She retired from Texaco Research as an administrative assistant. Melva was a member of First United Methodist Church in Port Neches.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-daughter, Pamela Buford and her husband, William K. Cozad, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Sue Reeves and husband, Richard of Port Neches, her step-son, Bruce Cozad and wife, Wendy of Traverse City, Michigan, six grandchildren, Eric Reeves (Hayley) and Carrie Leo (Edward), Daniel Buford, Thomas Buford (Stacy), Robert Cozad and Veronica Cozad.

Melva is also survived by her seven great grandchildren, Ethan Leo, Braden Reeves, Hudson Leo, Ashlyn Leo, Harper Reeves, Tyson Buford and Crosby Buford, her sister, Norma Johnson and husband, Bill of Athens, Texas along with her sisters-in-laws, Shirley Cozad and Patti Cousins, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. Service to honor Melva’s life will be at 1:00 PM Friday, January 6, 2017 in the Thompson Memorial Chapel at Clayton Thompson with Rev. Michael Peschke, officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches.

The family would like to thank everyone at Mid Jeff Extended Care for their kindness and care shown to my mother.