Obituary for Martha Jane Melton (Noblitt)
Martha Jane Melton, 81 of Lake Lure passed away Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loved ones. She was the daughter of the late Ira Noblitt and Daisy Robertson Noblitt.
Jane is survived by her son, Rick Melton of Lake Lure; her daughter-in-law Rebecca Melton of Mill Spring; her granddaughters Grace Melton Waters (Michael) of Bostic, Caroline Melton of Forest City: and her great-granddaughter Charlotte Waters of Bostic; cousins Beverly Heffner (Kenny) of Rutherfordton, Alice Leming of Rutherfordton, Tammy Heffner (Tony) of Rutherfordton; nieces Janice McDaniel Wallace (Glenn) of Campobello, Stephanie Noblitt Galvin (Mark) of Atlanta; nephews Bobby Tessnear of Marion, Troy Tessnear of Marion; cousin Christine “Crick” Raderstorf (Dave) of Atlanta, and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Preceding her in death are her husband Glenn Bobby Melton; her brothers Henry Coleman Noblitt, Wilburn Curtis McDaniel, Benjamin Franklin McDaniel, William Marshall “Mac” McDaniel, as well numerous beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Jane grew up in the Bills Creek Community on her parent’s farm and was a member of Bills Creek Baptist Church, making many life-long friends who became a part of her Godly family. She had a deep love for her community and everyone in it. Her family had a long- standing tradition of holding reunions on the farm and she loved having everyone gathered together. She met and married the love of her life Glenn Melton in 1959 and they were married for 50 years.
During her early adulthood she worked as a medical assistant for William Burch MD of Lake Lure who remained a friend to her until his passing. She then went to work as a dispatcher for Lake Lure Police Department which established her care and devotion toward law enforcement. Jane was a graduate of Isothermal Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program and went on to work for the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department as one of the first female deputies. She would later serve on the Saluda Police Force for several years before returning to Rutherford County to work for Rutherford County Emergency Communications from which she then retired to care for her late father.
Jane was an avid historian and photographer, dedicating much of her time to documenting and recording the histories of Lake Lure. Everyone who knew her knew she’d almost never be caught without her camera. She loved sharing her photos with everyone around her.
She spent much of her time in her later years watching her granddaughters and teaching them many life lessons. In her last few years, she truly enjoyed spending time with her great-granddaughter Charlotte. They spent their time picking flowers, coloring, and sitting together. She was loved greatly and will be greatly missed by many.
The family will conduct a Celebration of Life service at 3PM Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Bills Creek Baptist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Flowers or donations can be sent to Bills Creek Baptist Church, 1475 Bills Creek Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746.
Jane is survived by her son, Rick Melton of Lake Lure; her daughter-in-law Rebecca Melton of Mill Spring; her granddaughters Grace Melton Waters (Michael) of Bostic, Caroline Melton of Forest City: and her great-granddaughter Charlotte Waters of Bostic; cousins Beverly Heffner (Kenny) of Rutherfordton, Alice Leming of Rutherfordton, Tammy Heffner (Tony) of Rutherfordton; nieces Janice McDaniel Wallace (Glenn) of Campobello, Stephanie Noblitt Galvin (Mark) of Atlanta; nephews Bobby Tessnear of Marion, Troy Tessnear of Marion; cousin Christine “Crick” Raderstorf (Dave) of Atlanta, and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Preceding her in death are her husband Glenn Bobby Melton; her brothers Henry Coleman Noblitt, Wilburn Curtis McDaniel, Benjamin Franklin McDaniel, William Marshall “Mac” McDaniel, as well numerous beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Jane grew up in the Bills Creek Community on her parent’s farm and was a member of Bills Creek Baptist Church, making many life-long friends who became a part of her Godly family. She had a deep love for her community and everyone in it. Her family had a long- standing tradition of holding reunions on the farm and she loved having everyone gathered together. She met and married the love of her life Glenn Melton in 1959 and they were married for 50 years.
During her early adulthood she worked as a medical assistant for William Burch MD of Lake Lure who remained a friend to her until his passing. She then went to work as a dispatcher for Lake Lure Police Department which established her care and devotion toward law enforcement. Jane was a graduate of Isothermal Community College’s Basic Law Enforcement Training program and went on to work for the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department as one of the first female deputies. She would later serve on the Saluda Police Force for several years before returning to Rutherford County to work for Rutherford County Emergency Communications from which she then retired to care for her late father.
Jane was an avid historian and photographer, dedicating much of her time to documenting and recording the histories of Lake Lure. Everyone who knew her knew she’d almost never be caught without her camera. She loved sharing her photos with everyone around her.
She spent much of her time in her later years watching her granddaughters and teaching them many life lessons. In her last few years, she truly enjoyed spending time with her great-granddaughter Charlotte. They spent their time picking flowers, coloring, and sitting together. She was loved greatly and will be greatly missed by many.
The family will conduct a Celebration of Life service at 3PM Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Bills Creek Baptist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Flowers or donations can be sent to Bills Creek Baptist Church, 1475 Bills Creek Road, Lake Lure, NC 28746.