Ethlyn
Ethlyn Graves Melton
d. September 1, 2015
Ethlyn “Patsy” Holmes Graves Melton, 94, of Bedford, died Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at English Meadows, Elks National Home. Born September 5, 1920 in Huddleston, VA, a daughter of the late Ovid Raymond Graves and Annie Bennett Graves.
Patsy was a lifelong member of Main Street United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She was also a retired teacher with the Bedford County Public School system and greeter at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford. After retirement, Patsy made deliveries of printing and office supplies to local Bedford businesses for her son, Jim, owner of Rapid Printing. As a believer of Christ, Patsy was always willing to share the gospel, sing a few lyrics of her favorite hymns, and share her daily morning exercise program all with the most vibrant smile and love of life. It was always a pleasure to receive deliveries from Patsy.
In addition to her parents, Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, George H. Melton; two sons, Wayne P. Melton and James R. Melton; six brothers, Frank Graves, Sr., Harland Graves, Lowell Graves, Ovid Graves, Clark Graves, and Wayne Graves; and three sisters, Lucille Graves, Olney (Mickey) Cundiff, and Christine Allen. She is survived by a son, Stephen G. Melton and wife, Karen of Roanoke, daughter-in-law, Marsha U. Melton of Bedford; three grandchildren, Elizabeth M. Brown and husband, Roger of Bedford, Major G. Benjamin Melton and wife, Courtney of Nashville, TN, and Thomas L. Melton and wife, Saara of New York City, NY; two great-grandchildren, Alexander H. Brown of Bedford and Preston J. Melton of Nashville, TN; one brother, C.P. Graves and wife, Frances of Huddleston; four sisters-in-law, Velma “Chick” Graves, Julie Graves, Jean M. Swicegood, and Dorothy Carter; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of Patsy’s life will be conducted at 11 AM, Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Main Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard H. Ecklund officiating. Burial will be private in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends with a reception in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church, PO Box 505, Bedford, VA 24523 or Bedford Area Education Foundation, PO Box 2434, Forest, VA 24551.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family.
Patsy was a lifelong member of Main Street United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. She was also a retired teacher with the Bedford County Public School system and greeter at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford. After retirement, Patsy made deliveries of printing and office supplies to local Bedford businesses for her son, Jim, owner of Rapid Printing. As a believer of Christ, Patsy was always willing to share the gospel, sing a few lyrics of her favorite hymns, and share her daily morning exercise program all with the most vibrant smile and love of life. It was always a pleasure to receive deliveries from Patsy.
In addition to her parents, Patsy was preceded in death by her husband, George H. Melton; two sons, Wayne P. Melton and James R. Melton; six brothers, Frank Graves, Sr., Harland Graves, Lowell Graves, Ovid Graves, Clark Graves, and Wayne Graves; and three sisters, Lucille Graves, Olney (Mickey) Cundiff, and Christine Allen. She is survived by a son, Stephen G. Melton and wife, Karen of Roanoke, daughter-in-law, Marsha U. Melton of Bedford; three grandchildren, Elizabeth M. Brown and husband, Roger of Bedford, Major G. Benjamin Melton and wife, Courtney of Nashville, TN, and Thomas L. Melton and wife, Saara of New York City, NY; two great-grandchildren, Alexander H. Brown of Bedford and Preston J. Melton of Nashville, TN; one brother, C.P. Graves and wife, Frances of Huddleston; four sisters-in-law, Velma “Chick” Graves, Julie Graves, Jean M. Swicegood, and Dorothy Carter; and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.
A celebration of Patsy’s life will be conducted at 11 AM, Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Main Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard H. Ecklund officiating. Burial will be private in Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends with a reception in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church, PO Box 505, Bedford, VA 24523 or Bedford Area Education Foundation, PO Box 2434, Forest, VA 24551.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ethlyn Graves Melton, please visit our flower store.
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