Terri Downer Melnyk

Whitsett-Mrs. Terri Downer Melnyk, 63, died unexpectedly at Moses Cone Hospital, April 3, 2014. A graveside service will be Monday, April 7, 2014 at Guilford Memorial Park at 11 AM followed by a 2 PM celebration of life at Front Street United Methodist Church in Burlington. Reverend Nathan Arledge will officiate. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:45 PM at the church prior to the service.

Terri was born in Hamlet to Julian F. and Martha Martin Downer Jr. She was an exemplary employee with the Department of Labor for thirty seven years where she received numerous awards and accolades. She was a champion for the rights of the worker whom she represented. Her fearless spirit and belief in the equality of everyone made her job rewarding for both herself and those she helped. Her loving ways as a daughter, wife, mother, Nana, and friend will never be forgotten. She had an infectious personality which immediately drew people to her and an energy that motivated others to be all they could be. Terri was determined to get things done and was everyone’s “wing man” when help was needed. She leaves a legacy of independence, strong will and tenacity to her beloved daughters who watched her display courage in the face of adversity. She cherished her grandchildren and spent time with them creating memories of laughter, playing, sewing and experiencing good times together as only Nana could do.

She was a loving and supportive wife to her husband of thirty four years, John P. Melynk who survives her. Also surviving are her daughters and their husbands, Dr. Stephanie Dee Melnyk Evans (Tim) of Whitsett and Susie Marie Straub (Darrin) of Woodstock, GA, mother, Martha M. Downer and three beautiful grandchildren, Kennedy Grace Joyce, Abby Straub and Michael Straub.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association. Hanes-Lineberry Sedgefield chapel is assisting the Melnyk family. On line condolences may be made to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.