Melba Jean (Shaikewitz) Jacobson passed from this world peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends on September 8, 2024. She is survived by her sister, Sandra Lanier, her daughters Dale (Michael) Fitzgerald, Linda (Robert) Woolley, and Sharon (John) Ramboz, her son Jay (Kristin) Jacobson, 16 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and honorary grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 56 years, Lawrence Jacobson, her brother Theodore Shakewitz, and her sisters S'Verne Forman, Ramona Blank, and Deanye Lawrence.

Melba was born July 31, 1924, in Mineral Wells, Texas. She moved to the Washington, DC area in 1941, where she worked for the US government in various agencies. After marrying in 1953, she moved to Kingston, Pennsylvania. She moved back to the DC area in 1961, settling in Silver Spring.

An avid sports fan, she was well-known as the Washington Redskins' oldest fan, spending her birthday at Redskins/Commanders training camp every year. She also loved her Washington Nationals.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the St. Ann's Center for Children , Youth & Families or the Children's Inn at NIH , where she volunteered, caring for babies and helping families through difficult times.