Ouida Malon

It is with great jubilation we announce the arrival of Ouida McBride Malon into heaven with her savior Jesus Christ. The 99-year-old passed away in a serene state of comfort on Monday, the 20th of January 2025. Born and raised in Vidette, Georgia to Letitia Sheppard McBride and Thomas Gardiner McBride she was one of 9 children. Ouida lived in many places throughout the South, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Louisiana but the independent mother of 4 met Alfred Malon by whom she was adored, and married the love of her life, while living in Colonial Heights, Virginia. In 1983 Mrs. Malon became a widow and her life of independence was reestablished. Even while living alone for many decades she was rarely by herself. Ouida was known to choose a different friend every night to go and grab supper with and loved keeping her suitcase packed as she traveled from place to place visiting with her family and friends. Living between daughters for 20+ years and granddaughters for a short time, she called many places home but all of that led to her eternal resting place with the Lord in Heaven. Ouida left her earthly body in Moseley, VA while surrounded by loved ones in her bedroom where there was so much love and laughter in the days of preparation for her passing. The queen of quick-witted humor, she always kept people smiling with her little sayings. Ouida talked to everyone about Heaven and how she couldn’t wait to meet Jesus, she would say “I’m not afraid of dying, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” And she was playfully concerned that since she knew so many people there, “when I get to heaven I ain’t gonna have any time to myself.” She spent the majority of her time with her family, involved in the lives of each of her 10 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She attended countless sporting events, plays, and performances, and was so fond of pageant weekends. She smiled proudly at each achievement, graduation, wedding, and childbirth. As a mother, she was proud of her children but as a grandmother and great-grandmother, she was radiant with enthusiasm at the opportunity to brag on their accomplishments. A mom and grandma who never missed an opportunity to say “I love you.” “You are the best.” I’m so proud of you.” And her most notable saying “I’d love you even if you weren’t beautiful/handsome.” Each one felt they were her favorite because she pointed out what she loved most in each of them. She filled her legacy with love, laughter, wisdom, and the word of God. Many people knew Ouida as the doll maker, with her ceramic shop in her backyard on Plumtree Ave in Colonial Heights. She created the most beautiful porcelain dolls and traveled to craft shows with her daughters and granddaughters where she would make friends with all who passed by. As a seamstress, Mrs. Malon made many smocked dresses and bonnets with such intricacy and delicate features. Her talents were many and her creations were always impressive. If you had the privilege of Ouida McBride Malon as your teller at the bank during her almost 50-year career, you were in the hands of the sharpest mind. She was highly respected in the bank and earned many awards for her high level of performance. Her community loved her and flocked to her. As a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, she looked forward to her time rocking babies in the nursery. She was cared for and loved and placed a deep-rooted legacy for the Lord. A godly woman who wrote scripture on her heart and remembered just about everything she ever read, was given a great gift and made certain each family member knew who their creator was and had the opportunity to hear the gospel. There is a void where she once was but the impact she left will remain and permeate through subsequent generations forevermore. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 3110 Greenwood Ave, Colonial Heights, VA, 23834. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Southlawn Memorial Park, Petersburg, VA. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.