Patricia Ruth Melton, 84, of Durham, North Carolina, formerly of Alum Creek, West Virginia, went home to be with her Lord on January 12, 2018, at home.
Born on May 21, 1933, in Kanawha County, West Virginia, Pat was the daughter of the late Thomas Richard and Mary Ann (Gillispie) Lemons.
Pat was raised in Alum Creek and graduated from Charleston High School in 1948. She attended both Morris Harvey College and the West Virginia College of Graduate Studies where she received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, respectfully. Pat taught French and Spanish for many years at Dunbar High School in WV, and after retiring, both substituted and volunteered in several schools in Kanawha County.
Pat was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Alum Creek where she served in many capacities, among them Sunday school teacher, choir director, and church clerk. She also enjoyed music, cooking, sewing, reading, and spending time with her family and friends.
Pat is survived by her loving husband and constant care-giver, Ben Melton of Durham; brother, Thomas Lemons (Myoko) of Knoxville, Tennessee; daughters Patty George (Jeff) of Westminster Maryland, and Cheryl Waldron (Tim) of Iowa City, Iowa; sons John Melton (Denise) of Alum Creek, and Roger Melton (Laura) of Durham; thirteen grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren. Pat is also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Todd Lemons.
Warmest thanks are extended to the Croasdaille Home Care Department for the wonderful care provided to Pat during her illness, with a very special thank you to Joann Toler, whose loving, gentle manner is greatly appreciated.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road in Alum Creek, WV with Pastor Tim Waldron officiating. Friends may call on Friday, January 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, January 20, from 12 to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at Graceland Memorial Park, 100 Graceland Circle, South Charleston, WV.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Transitions Live Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607.
It’s sad to know that my high school French teacher and mentor has passed away. I really loved her class and had a wonderful relationship with her. I was an exchange student in France in 1979, She taught me the Romance language well. I’ll speak to you in French when I see you in heaven. You truly will be missed.
Condolences you will be missed
My sincerest sympathies on the loss of Mrs. Melton. She was my high school French teacher at Dunbar high school 1985-1987. She was an amazing teacher & mentor to me in many ways- one memory that stands out was her encouraging me to attend a week long French camp at Ohio University during the summer. It was a wonderful experience- I went on to complete a study abroad in France during college and one of my degrees is in French education. Mrs. Melton let us experience French food, play games in French, and we were able to visit the elementary schools to share foreign language with kids…… her class was one of the highlights for me during high school. Mrs. Melton always made me feel special and bursting with potential. I’m so thankful she was my teacher.
Sorry for your loss. She was a sweetheart
I’m very sorry for your loss. I was a student of French with Mrs Melton at Dunbar High School in Dunbar, WV. She blessed my life by giving me the adventure of learning a new language and encouraging me to explore my love of the ancient French culture and art which in did in 2001. She was a lovely soul and always reminded me to smile. Bless You Mrs Melton!
Sorry to here about your loss. Wish I could be there, I’m out of town. Keeping all of you in my prayers. She was such a nice lady.
Our love and prayers are with you Popaw Benny and the family. Sorry, due to illness we can’t be with you. Love you all very much, Lenzy and Brenda
The West Virginia and Kanawha County Associations of Retired School Employees extend their sincere sympathy to you, the family, in your sorrow. Blessings to all.
I am praying for you, Brother Ben, and for your family as you have suffered a great loss – here. But one day, in glory, the saints will be together again – forever. So, in the meantime, we will keep ‘lookin up’ because Jesus is coming back, soon (I believe) All my love to you and your family.
My deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences. Losing someone we love is truly heartbreaking. I want to take a moment and share something that has given me much personal comfort and hope. It is the scriptural promise at Daniel 12:2 “And many of those asleep in the dust of the earth will wake up, some to everlasting life.” Losing a loved one in death is not the end, we have a beautiful hope just ahead. How we long to see them again and be reunited forever.