Margaret Nell Melton

Margaret Nell (Jackson) Melton of Abilene, formerly of Graham, finished her earthly race here with perseverance, grace, courage and confidence in her Savior Monday, August 24, 2020 at the age of 86.  A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 29, 10:00 A.M. at Pioneer Cemetery in Graham, Texas with Mark Lisle officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Margaret was born November 12, 1933 during the Great Depression in Angus, TX to John Fletcher Jackson and Fay (Hemby) Jackson. She spent her childhood in Brownsboro, TX growing up on the banks of Kickapoo Creek, where she loved hunting and fishing with her daddy and learning handwork and homemaking skills from her mother. She became a Christian in her young years and remained faithful all through her life.  Margaret graduated as valedictorian from Brownsboro High School and then attended Tyler Junior College, where she loved being a member of the Apache Belles dance team.

She married Don Melton on August 13, 1953 and stayed by his side for nearly 67 years, apart only during his 3 year station in Japan during the Korean War and then since his death on May 20, 2020. They raised 2 children and lived in Tyler, Nacogdoches, Center, Toyah, Monahans, Seminole, Levelland and Big Spring. She got her bachelor’s degree from the College of the Southwest and master’s degree in education at Texas Tech.  She loved teaching students for nearly 23 years in Levelland and Grady ISD, as well as Bible classes and serving every church she attended in every community she lived.

Upon retirement, she and Don moved to Graham to “enjoy trees and water.”  She loved volunteering for many years in the Hospital Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels during their 26 years there. Since moving to Abilene’s Wesley Court Independent Living five years ago, she has enjoyed serving as President of the Residents Council, Ambassador Club member and baking cookies. She was a member of Hwy 36 Church of Christ and was faithful to support children’s homes, missionaries and veterans organizations.

Of her many accomplishments in this life, and there were many, her greatest was the love and service she gave to her family. She loved fiercely and faithfully her role as wife, mom, mother-in-law and MeMa. She gave her all and made heirloom quilts for every grandchild and hand-stitched a baby quilt for the birth of every great-grandchild up to her death. She will be greatly missed and forever loved.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, brother John Jackson, sisters Eleanor Birdwell and Evelyn Potter, and husband Don Melton.  She is survived by son Greg (D’Anne) Melton of Abilene,TX,  daughter Teri (Jerry) Marrow of Rusk, TX; 4 grandchildren Matt (Susie) Marrow of Hendersonville, TN, Allison (Ted) Bowsman of N. Little Rock, AR, Taylor (Marlowe) Melton of Keller, TX and Brady Melton of Ft. Worth, TX; 11 great-grandchildren Avery Marrow, Ella Marrow, Madi Bowsman, Paxton Bowsman, Jace Bowsman, Lexie Bowsman, Lizzie Bowsman, Kenzie Bowsman, Griffin Melton, Mabry Melton and Callan Melton along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Wesley Court, Dr. Josh Thomas and Kindred Home Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Foster’s Home for Children, P. O. Box 978, Stephenville, TX 76401 or the charity of your choice.