Marilyn Lee Melton

Marilyn was born on January 13, 1948, in Dyersburg, Tennessee to William Pruitt Melton and Lula Grace Cook Melton. Their family moved to Gainesville in the early 50s. She made many friends and participated in activities in Gainesville, including the music and youth programs of Whaley Methodist Church. The family also travelled to Dallas often to be with 2 special aunts.

In high school, she was active in White Wave drill team, school clubs, and enjoyed horseback riding, including the annual trail ride from Dallas to Gainesville, with 600 other riders heading north on I 35. She took part in numerous plays and musicals. She shared the female lead her senior year in the musical, Bye Bye Birdie.

Marilyn attended the University of Oklahoma and Southern Methodist University.

She shared her fantastic voice in dinner theatres, Casa Manana, and a brief stint in New York City. This beauty then transitioned to a career in Houston with Estee Lauder Cosmetics, becoming a vice president and training the marketing teams there.

Upon retirement she returned to Gainesville and enjoyed caring for horses and dogs on family land west of town. She served on many volunteer boards, Abigail’s Arms and VISTO to name two, and was a long time, important member and volunteer at First United Methodist Church. In 2010, the Texoma Council of Governments recognized her as Cooke County Citizen of the Year for her work with Habitat for Humanity, Cooke County Hospice and STAR (Second Time Around Resale) at FUMC.

She moved herself to Wesley House 3 years ago to simplify her final days. Her excellent care there was spearheaded by Julie Stephens, who had cared for Marilyn’s mother and got to know her well back then.

She died on May 25, 2026, at Wesley Oaks. Her Celebration of Life will be June 6, 2026, at 1pm at First United Methodist Church and she will be buried between her parents and grandparents at Fairview Cemetery.

She is survived by 8 life-long GHS Class of ’66 girlfriends, who are grateful to Pam Enderby and Karla Hutcherson for helping them help Marilyn with numerous doctor appointments and errands when she could no longer drive.

Contributions in her memory may be made to First United Methodist Church or one of the charities in which you worked alongside of Marilyn.