Edna Melton

Edna Elaine James Melton, 96, passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2006 at the Hospice House in Forest City, NC. Mrs. Melton was born November 6, 1909 in Jonesville, South Carolina to the late Newton J. James and Sally Wells James. She married Horace Milan Melton on August 26, 1926. They made their home in Henrietta and Caroleen, NC where they raised a beautiful family. Both were active members of Caroleen Baptist Church where she served as a children's Sunday school teacher and kept the Nursery. Mr. Melton preceded her in death on January 2, 1969. She was also preceded in death by a daughter Sybil Elaine Melton Ayers in 1985.

She is survived by two sons; Don Hugh Melton and wife Nelda Wells Melton of Forest City, NC and Horace Burton Melton and wife Phyllis Davidson Melton of Mooresville, NC, 8 Grandchildren; John Randolph Ayers, Joy Elaine Ayers Couch and husband Roger, James Melton Ayers and wife, Angela, Brooks Andrew Melton and wife Jessica, Patrick Oliver Melton and wife Spencer, Craig Edward Melton and wife Julie, Brian Thomas Melton and wife Shelley, and Adrian Lee Melton. Also surviving are 10 great-grandchildren; Jonathan Lucas Ayers, Meghan Elaine Ayers, Hannah Katherine Ayers, James Dyar Jennings and wife Amanda, James Dayton Ayers, Jon Colton Ayers, Andrew Lance Melton, Morgan Brooks Melton, Brooks Andrew Melton, Jr. and Reid Elizabeth Melton.

The Melton family would like to express their appreciation to Mrs. Melton's nephew, Dr. Charles N. James for the wonderful care he provided to her over the years. The family is also very grateful to the care provided her in her final months by the outstanding people at Hospice. Special thanks go to a group of women who surrounded her during the last few years of her life and who provided her devoted and loving care. This circle of caregivers include Genell Adair, Lucille Bridges, Mavis Bridges, Renee Byars, Nell Greene, Linda Hewitt, Kelly Lowery, Wynelle McDaniel, Joyce Melton and Dorothy

Street. Don and Nelda Melton were also a part of this circle. Their extraordinary commitment to Mother allowed her to be home until the last days of her life.

Funeral services for Mrs. Melton will be held Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at the Caroleen Baptist Church with Rev. Trey Gilliam and Rev. Kevin Rohm officiating. Burial will follow in the Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. until service time at Caroleen Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials be made to Caroleen Baptist Church, P.O. Box 489, Caroleen, NC 28019 or to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC.