Dorothy Melton

Dorothy Mozelle Nelson Melton passed away on December 16, 2014 in Midland. Dorothy was a kind, gentle person who will be missed by all who knew her.

Born on June 29, 1927 to Frank Nelson and Gertrude Groves Nelson, Dorothy grew up in Matador, Texas, a small town north east of Lubbock. After graduating high school in Matador, where she enjoyed singing and dancing to the likes of Bob Wills the Texas Playboys, Dorothy attended Texas Tech University and received her degree in Home economics. Dorothy taught in Roaring Springs, Lamesa and later El Paso where she met her husband, Tom.

Tom and Dorothy were married in 1952 and soon moved to Odessa to raise their family. While living in Odessa, Dorothy was active in the Odessa Service League predecessor to the Odessa Junior League, Permian Study Club, Court Appointed Special Advocates and operated her own antique shop Dorothys Now Then. Although involved in numerous civic activities, Dorothys family was always her first priority.

Dorothy seemed to have an unlimited ability to listen to, counsel, nurture and love her 4 children. She was always there to provide words of encouragement or to pour oil on troubled waters. Dorothy never faltered in her love for her family.

Although family always came first, Dorothy seemed to attract a bevy of interesting friends. Some of Dorothys more enduring friendships found their start in the Permian Study Club where she was a member for over 50 years. Through this group, grew friendships with women who provided each other with comfort and companionship over a lifetime of highs and lows.

Those who knew Dorothy best remember her as a thoughtful, kind and loyal person. No one could have a better friend than Dorothy Melton who would always be there with just the right word of encouragement or dish of comfort. She also loved her MOJO football, attending games with Tom all over the state of Texas and proudly wearing her Black White.

Known as a great cook, Dorothy provided recipes to the Junior Leagues Blue Denim Cookbook. Despite having the recipe to Dorothys famous rolls no one could quite match her ability to turn out this delicious concoction. Years later, the family learned that, perhaps, some of the ingredients did not quite make it into recipe as published. So that her friends will have something else to remember her by, the family plans on passing out corrected recipes at the memorial service.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her son, Barry Melton.

She is survived by her son, Tommy Melton and his wife Jerri daughter, Dana Melton, Melinda Lea and her husband Clark grandchildren, Christi and her husband Troy, Jennifer, Tommy, Tyler, Libby and her husband Garrett and Connor and a great grandchild, Graham.

Special thanks to all the caregivers, especially Martha Ramirez, Manda Ramirez, Minerva Martinez, Stephanie Martinez, Marybel Adama and Mirella Chavez, who took such loving care of Dorothy these past few years.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that dayand not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:78

Burial will be at 9:00 am, Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
A Memorial Service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Christ Church Anglican, 5501 Midkiff Rd., Midland, TX with The Reverend Henry Pendergrass officiating.

Memorials may be sent to Christ Church Anglican, 5501 N. Midland Dr., Midland, TX 79705, Hospice of Midland, 911 W. Texas, Midland, TX 79701, Odessa Family YMCA, 3001 E. University, Odessa, TX 79762, or UTPB Athletics, Development Office, 4901 E. University, Odessa, TX 79762.

Service

Cemetery