Dorothy Jean Melton

Dorothy Jean Alley was born on September 11, 1936 to the late Joe Alley Sr. and Ray (Burton) in Eldridge TX. She was the oldest of three children from this union. She was raised in Houston, TX and spent most of her childhood in Columbus, TX with her paternal grandparents. While spending joyous summers in Columbus, TX she learned strong work ethics and discipline that she carried throughout life. She was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Houston, TX, where she was a member of the Drill Team. Shortly, after graduating she married her late husband, James Melton Jr. for 45 years. She was baptized into Christ at an early age and was a member of the Church of Christ. For many years, she was a member of Shady Acres Church Christ where she worked and served on the Benevolence Committee and a Vacation Bible School Teacher. She later moved her membership to Laura Koppe Church of Christ. She worked several years at Anchor Hockings Glass Company. She later retired and became a dedicated support system for her family. She cared and nurtured all of her children's children day in and day out and provided a safe place each day with hot meals and support. She was a woman of character, surety, conviction and an undeniable strong will. She was a talented seamstress, a learned skill that was self-taught. She leaves to cherish her memories three daughters, Patricia Joseph, Venecia Melton, Cynthia Melton and two sons, Herbert J. Melton and Walter R. Melton and one son-in-law, Steve Joseph. She also leaves 17 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; one beloved sister, Darlene Alexander and two brothers, Joe Alley Jr. and Charles Odom.